By Ken Bridle
Members of the North Carolina Native Plant Society are enthusiastic about native plants. We are familiar with the plants that are part of the ecology of our area, supporting insects and wildlife as part of Mother Nature’s plan. We are enthusiastic about our gardens and the natural habitats that support the amazing diversity of native plants in our state. We seek out expert guides and teachers for our events. None was more accomplished or enthusiastic as Dr. Larry Mellichamp.
A Life Member of the Society
Many of us first met Larry and Audrey when they became life members of the Society in the 1980s and attended outings and meetings. We soon recognized that he was a wonderfully knowledgeable guide for field trips and a gifted teacher, giving various workshops and programs. His knowledge was especially appreciated because he knew not only the sometimes dry and tedious taxonomy, history, and distribution of plants, but he was also enthusiastic about growing, cultivating, and gardening with native plants.
We appreciated his ability to find teachable moments in informal situations, with a wide range of members of different backgrounds and interests. Everyone learned from Larry, and he connected with folks in ways that will be greatly missed.
At NCNPS He Made Things Happen
Larry was not just one to teach but he also wanted to make things happen to benefit the Society and the native plants that are our mission. He joined the board and served as the chair of the Habitat Certification Committee, making that program more effective and scientifically sound. His leadership jump-started that program and increased the numbers of people who have applied and been approved to have a Certified Native Plant Habitat. It is now more than 150 and growing. He also served as a highly effective president, making many strategic and organizational improvements.
He also was very involved in improving our publications, newsletter articles, and web page content over the years, always making good suggestions. Most recently Larry, as a strong promoter of the use of native plants in the landscape, provided plant suggestions, photographs, and written content for the NC Piedmont Landscaping Guide. Larry started the organizational support for the Cullowee Native Plant Conference so that vendors would not have to pay fees to attend.
With Enthusiasm and Humor
All the successful work he did for the organization will live on, but for many of us what we will miss most is his enthusiasm and humor. During walks in the woods, we learned about plants and remembered them because of his stories, jokes, puns, and the infectious fun he was obviously having. His programs pulled the listener in. With humor, he suggested how one might use native plants in our gardens and how to appreciate them in special places in the wild. Always willing to go and see natives in their habitat, anyone who went with him would never forget the experience.
Larry Was a Gift to All
A few months ago, Larry was once again auctioneer at the Native Plant Society picnic, a job he was supremely good at. People came to his auctions not only to buy plants but also for the entertaining show he put on. He provided interesting background on the plants, how to grow them, and garden requirements interspersed with spontaneous funny comments. While talking about a pot of carnivorous pitcher plants on stage, telling about what insects they eat and how to care for them in your garden, he noticed a house fly sitting on the lip of one pitcher. “There is a fly here contemplating suicide,” he said. “You can watch this kind of thing at home,” to ripples of laughter from the audience. All of which drove up the bidding and many people, like me, wound up buying plants we probably would not have otherwise.
Larry sharing enthusiasm, knowledge, leadership, humor, and friendship – a gift to all of us. We will miss him very much.
Ken Bridle, Walnut Cove (NCNPS Triad Chapter). Past and current North Carolina Native Plant Society president..