Melissa LaPlant Named Hutson Greenhouse Manager
01/23/2017

Melissa LaPlant has been named the new manager of Southeast's Charles Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse. She began her new duties Jan. 12 and replaces Denise Pingel who retired in December. LaPlant's primary responsibilities include management and administration of the greenhouse, including its strategic plan, and managing student employees. LaPlant is a 2007 Southeast graduate with a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness. She has been employed as a horticulturist for Sunny Hill Gardens and Florist in Cape Girardeau since 2008. She previously served in a variety of roles as an independent interior plantscape and landscape designer. The Charles Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse is located at 1039 Bertling Street. The greenhouse is the site of commercial plant production, and retail sales, trials and testing of poinsettias, chrysanthemums, and all-American bedding plants. It also serves as an experiential learning site for horticulture students.