A Day in the Life of Mitch Anderson: Enliven’s Lead Gardener
At Enliven, our gardens are not just beautiful spaces, but they are tended to by an incredible team of gardeners who bring their passion and knowledge to life. Today, our Social and Visual Media Coordinator, Mycie, had the chance to sit down with Mitch Anderson, Enliven’s Lead Gardener, to learn more about his role, his journey, and his love for plants.
Meet Mitch
Mycie: Hi Mitch, thanks for sitting down with us today! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Mitch: Of course! I’m Mitch Anderson, the Lead Gardener here at Enliven. I’ve been with the company since August 2020, so a little over four years now.
The Role of a Lead Gardener
Mycie: So, what exactly does your role as Lead Gardener entail?
Mitch: I do a lot of training with new hires and often head up our larger, multi-person projects. On the day-to-day, I make sure to stay productive and hit high numbers, especially on the bigger jobs.
Mycie: You’re known for being one of our most proficient gardeners.
Mitch: Haha, yes, for sure.
Favorite Parts of the Job
Mycie: What would you say is your favorite part about working at Enliven?
Mitch: One of the best parts is the constant opportunities to learn. Of course, I’ve learned a lot about plants, but I’ve also picked up so much from my coworkers, like how to handle different interpersonal situations. Enliven gives us the space to grow and continue learning, which I really value.
Learning Plant Facts & Tackling Invasive Species
Mycie: Speaking of learning, what’s one of the coolest things you’ve learned about plants while working here?
Mitch: That’s a tough one! I think learning about the propagation process has been really interesting. I’ve also become more knowledgeable about pest care, which has been super helpful since I’ve had my share of houseplant disasters.
Oh, and invasive species removal has been fascinating too. We deal with a lot of Japanese knotweed on our property, and learning how to tackle that beast has been both challenging and rewarding.
Getting Hands in the Dirt
Mycie: What’s your favorite part of the gardening process?
Mitch: Honestly, I just love getting my hands in the dirt. But I think the most satisfying part is stepping back after a job is done, especially when it’s a beautiful window box or a big planter. Seeing the final product and knowing the client is going to love it—that’s the best feeling.
Gardening in Every Season
Mycie: What’s your favorite season to garden?
Mitch: Definitely fall. I love the colors and the overall vibe of harvest season. The weather’s usually great, not too hot or cold. That being said, I also enjoy winter gardening—planting during the colder months feels different and exciting.
Exploring Philly’s Neighborhoods
Mycie: Is there a particular neighborhood or area you love working in?
Mitch: East Falls, for sure. It’s such a great neighborhood. I also love working in Fairmount, Fitler Square, and Society Hill. The historic feel of these areas, with cobblestone streets and old homes, adds to the charm of planting beautiful arrangements there.
And I can’t forget going down to the shore in May—it feels like a special occasion and marks the start of summer. It’s always fun hearing stories from coworkers about their favorite beach spots and family traditions.
Favorite Plants & Toughest Challenges
Mycie: Do you have any memorable stories from your time here, or a favorite arrangement you’ve worked on?
Mitch: Nothing too wild comes to mind, but I love working with built-in planter beds. They’re usually large and allow for a ton of variety. It’s like solving a puzzle, and the results are always stunning because of the sheer number of plants and textures we get to work with.
Mycie: Lastly, what are your favorite and least favorite plants to work with?
Mitch: That’s a tricky one. I love all our plants, but the most challenging ones are probably Cana lilies—they have crazy root systems that are tough to deal with. Same goes for lantanas. They smell great but are difficult to remove.
As for favorites, I’m a big fan of dahlias, though we don’t get them as often. I also love lobelia. It’s a trailing bloom with a beautiful blue color that’s rare in the flower world.
Wrapping Up
Mycie: Thanks so much, Mitch! This has been a great conversation, and we’ve learned so much about your role and passion for gardening.
Mitch: You’re welcome!
We hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes chat with Mitch Anderson. Stay tuned for more insights from our incredible team here at Enliven!