At Enliven, passionate individuals like Renae Bergh make the organization thrive. With over three years of dedication, Renae’s journey from corporate product management to becoming Enliven’s Operations Manager is an inspiring tale of growth and transformation. Recently, Renae shared insights about her role, career transition, and love for plants with us.

A Leap into Green

Tell us a little about yourself.
“My name is Renae Bergh, and I’ve been at Enliven for just over three years. I started in the gardening department, moved into production management, and now serve as the Operations Manager.

Previously, I worked in corporate product management for 12 to 13 years. I needed a change of pace and wanted to work with plants, so I took a leap of faith, applied for a gardening position at Enliven, and never looked back.”

From Corporate to Cultivating Joy

How was the career shift?
“It was definitely scary at first, leaving a long-standing career for something entirely new. But it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Working with plants and seeing tangible results has been incredibly satisfying.”

A Blooming Work Environment

What’s your favorite part about working at Enliven?
“Hands down, the people. Sure, working with plants and being outside is great, but it’s the positive, hardworking team here that makes it truly enjoyable. A strong, supportive work culture makes all the difference.”

The Magic of Winter

Do you have a favorite season at Enliven?
“Winter is special to me. We kick off the holiday season in mid-November with stunning arrangements that have an instant impact. There’s nothing like the smell of winter greens—pinecones, eucalyptus, and berry elements come together to create visually stunning displays that feel like the holidays.”

Lessons in Leadership

What skills have you learned during your time here?
“I’ve learned so much about gardening—from planting and pruning to creating beautiful arrangements. Transitioning to management taught me to lead rather than do. Learning to manage and inspire a team has been a continuous process, and I’m still fine-tuning my approach.”

Plant Wisdom

Do you have any plant care tips to share?
“Lighting is key! It determines how much water a plant needs. More light means more water, and less light means less water. Getting this balance right is crucial for plant health. I always recommend using a moisture meter to avoid over- or under-watering.”

A Favorite Among Many

Do you have a favorite plant?
“That’s tough to answer, but I do love ZZ plants. We used them in our summer arrangements, and now several of them are happily thriving in my apartment.”

Renae’s journey is a testament to the rewards of pursuing your passion and embracing change. Whether managing teams or curating breathtaking plant arrangements, she continues to nurture both her own growth and that of Enliven.

Learn more about our seasonal planter arrangements here.

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!