In this first of two interviews, Dr. Larry Mellichamp, graduate and long-time faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, reflects on his time as a student in the 1960s and as a faculty member from the 1970s to 2010s. He traces the history and development of the botanical gardens and greenhouse, describes the influence of professors Dr. Hechenbleikner and Dr. Matthews on his life, and explains Dr. Hechenbleikner's involvement in managing the landscaping on campus. He recounts the origin of the Van Landingham Glen, the McMillan Greenhouse, and the annual plant sale and reveals the challenges of maintaining the gardens, including financial struggles and lack of staff. He shares the purpose of the botanical gardens and greenhouse and comments on numerous rare plants grown during his tenure including the Titan Arum. Other topics include faithful volunteer Harlan Jackson, Dr. Mellichamp's family history and background, his father's occupation in silk-screen printing and advertising, his experience growing up in Charlotte, his interest in carnivorous plants, the books he has authored, and his relationship with Bonnie Cone.
