The late Dr. Larry Mellichamp

In September 2022, we lost a great friend, remarkable plantsman and champion of botanical curiosity, Dr. Larry Mellichamp.

His horticultural impact in Charlotte and throughout the Southeast - indeed across the botanical world - is significant.

Many years ago, we placed a stone marker recognizing his impact on our lives near a large bench in MapleWalk. While that may serve as a reminder to visitors of Dr. M’s continuing presence, for us it is all around. The landscape not only contains countless specimens that he recommended, but many plants he gave us over the years.

As his ability to garden diminished, he asked Tom to transplant to MapleWalk some favorites from his personal oasis.

Tom was privileged to write an article in 2021 for SouthPark Magazine on Larry’s influence and our decades-long journey to create MapleWalk Garden. Here’s the link: Paying It Forward

Tom explained in the story: “When people ask me why Lib and I have such an open visitation policy for our garden, my response includes our desire to share our knowledge and passion. Larry taught us that enthusiasm is contagious…I believe we all need places of peace and beauty, and our SouthPark property is in part a tribute to this remarkable man we love.”