About

Background

Pick of the Planet Greenhouse
Founded in 1999 as Wit’s End Growers, The Pick of the Planet quickly gained a following in the seacoast areas of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. After moving our operation to Greenland, NH we made a name change to The Pick of the Planet. We now have retail greenhouses and a store area with a rotating art gallery. We are in love with plants, and are constantly seeking interesting species from all around the world and forgotten plants from the past. We believe that art is a component of horticulture; line, form, texture, color, and scent all factor into a garden’s composition–whether in a container, border, or single specimen. We offer a fine artist’s palette of plants to work with, and encourage you to have fun, experiment, and be brave and daring with color! See the idea section in our catalog listing under each plant’s description for inspiration.

Ellen Mitchell

Ellen Mitchell Ellen comes from plant people; on both sides of the family tree there are farmers and flower people. Her family moved frequently but the thread of gardening and eating home-grown food was constant. Living in Germany and traveling in Europe, Israel, Ecuador, Columbia, Peru, and Guatemala have given her a broad garden vision and deeply enriched her plant knowledge. Traveling and working on a Kibbutz as a young woman opened her to the idea of a career in horticulture, and upon returning she began studying nursery and landscape horticulture in Canada. She has been living and gardening on the Seacoast for over 35 years.

With over 30 years of experience in landscape design and construction in addition to her 22 years working in greenhouse growing, Ellen has a deep understanding of the plants she works with at all stages. Her commitment to finding new and interesting plants continues even into her vacation time; every winter she travels to Lake Atitlan in Guatemala to volunteer at a medicinal herb garden and seek out material that can be used in the landscapes back home. The lake area is rich with Maya tradition, colorful textiles, fresh food, and good friends. And with the new space, Ellen “looks forward to sharing my enthusiasm and inspiration for fine horticulture, good food, medicinal herbs, beekeeping, and healthy living!”

Kathleen Lachance

Kathleen is in her fourth season with The Pick of the Planet. She brings with her a dozen years of experience. Before becoming our full-time grower, she worked on the other side of the business as a foreperson in fine gardening. She oversaw the installation and maintenance of area commercial and residential gardens. This experience provided her with the unique knowledge of what gardeners expect and desire when out in the field. Kathleen’s devotion to health and exercise is exemplary. She has a serious homestead garden with her husband, and enjoys helping others who seek a whole, healthy, and natural lifestyle. It is a high priority for her to provide local alternatives in horticulture and agriculture.

Amelia J. Davis

Amelia Davis Amelia was introduced to weeding at a tender young age, accompanying her mother, Ellen, to landscaping jobs. She has been working part-time in greenhouses for the last 13 years. She is an artist and designer, and brings this sensibility to her work with plants. Much of Amelia’s art is intricate and detailed, giving her an edge when sowing tiny seeds and transplanting delicate seedlings and cuttings. She has strong connections with an expansive group of creative people, and spends part of her time in Brooklyn, New York.

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Mora

Mora Mora worked in the greenhouse ever since she was adopted from NHSPCA 14 years ago. She learned to turn around in 12” aisles without harming any plants and hunt for voles when they sneak into the plants. My dear companion passed away on October 8, 2012. Swim and chase balls to your heart’s content.

Hughey

Hughey Hughey (AKA Heward Happy Feet) has been guarding the soil piles for over four years and loves to have an opportunity to lean on anyone. He has figured out how to open many doors and if he gets loose he can easily travel over 3 miles in 20 minutes!