Walking around the Louisiana State University campus can be an enchanting experience through nature due to Debra Coltharp, a horticulturist on campus.

 

Her work ethic and natural green thumb keep her going through the humidity, bugs  and long work days. However, unexpected things still happen.

 

“Everything that can happen has happened,” Debra Coltharp said.

 

Coltharp also explained the toll that the weather has had on her job. She said specifically after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the amount of insects and pests that showed up around campus was horrendous.

 

Coltharp scales, aphids, mites, beetles, worms were scattered all throughout campus.

 

“I’m seeing things I’ve never seen before,” Coltharp explained.

 

Even though she’s been a horticulturist for many years, she still frequently is questioned about what her career actually entails.

 

“Still to this day a lot of people ask me why I do it, but I like being outside and don’t mind the bugs,” Coltharp said.