While UNC Charlotte’s McMillan Greenhouse and Botanical Gardens have been gaining notoriety of late (2015 Best of the Best), there’s yet another reason to visit: the Mellichamp Native Terrace Garden. What makes this garden so rare — and unique to the Southeast — is that it contains exclusively local flora. Here’s a glance at the garden’s history and vibrant scenery.
These dazzling natives (think groundcovers, specimen plants, flower borders, privacy hedges) are displayed in a variety of surroundings, giving gardeners and plant lovers plenty of creative inspiration. Designs include home landscape features, wooden terraces, stone walls, gravel paths and a storm water-fed streambed.
The Native Garden pays homage to Larry Mellichamp, who retired this spring after 35 years with the University. Mellichamp, a beloved community member and respected professor, is well known for his passion and experience. Interested in planting your own garden? Check out Mellichamp’s latest book profiling more than 460 native Southeastern plants, and his interview on “The Live Wire.”