Horticulturalist Coltharp planning to retire
(Baton Rouge, LA.)
Debra Coltharp grew up on a farm and always worked in a garden. As Louisiana State University’s Horticulturist, she has 2,000 acres to tend to. She is in charge of designing floral arrangements, maintaining the landscaping on campus, protect the species native to Louisiana and keep out invasive species who pose threats to the native species.
Taking a break from her busy schedule, she joined a press conference in LSU’s Journalism Building to discuss her job. She also managed to display her sunny disposition and spry attitude while doing so.
She expressed her concerns that the use of chemicals in horticulture is excessive but she has to use them from time to time. Coltharp explained that for plant lovers that horticulture provides a “very diversified range of study” and a “broader field of study for plant lovers”. She even said that Mike VI is very testy about his plants that are in his habitat.
She admitted that she is looking for her successor as one of the head horticulturists on campus. She is currently looking at two candidates. Despite saying she wants to retire soon, she enjoys every day of work. She said, “if you do something you love, it’s not work.” She credits her grandfather and herself for the success she has had as a mechanical horticulturalist here on campus.