E.C. Browns’ to change hands — but almost nothing else

Hot on the heels of a landmark real estate turnover — the Village Store in Thetford Center  — comes the revelation that the local institution of E.C. Browns’ Nursery, less than half a mile up the road, has also found a new owner after being on the market for over a year.

And, similar to the Village Store, ownership of the nursery will pass into the care of a partnership of buyers. Their spokesman appears to be John Freeman, who divides his time between Post Mills and San Diego, CA. Many remember that it was John who purchased the derelict Hatch's Store in Post Mills, not for personal gain but as a public service. His goal was to improve the appearance of Post Mills Village and demolish what had become an eyesore.

John became familiar with E.C. Browns’ during his childhood in Norwich. His mother was passionate about lilacs, and E.C. Browns’ was her source. The nursery still stocks an extensive collection of these fragrant-blossoming shrubs. John appreciates the proud tradition of this family-run business started by Elmer Brown in 1967 and its longstanding reputation as one of the premiere horticultural resources in the broader Upper Valley.

While John may not have any personal experience in the nursery and landscaping trade, one of his partners, Fred Fournier, an old student friend from UVM, ran a successful landscaping company on Martha's Vineyard since 1975. Fred is newly retired, and looking for a fresh challenge. Another UVM associate and family friend is Laura Taylor, whose expertise is in business and social media. Rounding out the team is John's nephew, John Mills, who is a high-tech attorney in Silicon Valley. John Freeman’s role will be as a managing member overseeing general operations. 

One of the objectives in taking ownership is to keep E.C. Browns’ the same — same employees, same business model, same appearance, same horticultural offerings. The employees are what makes the company, and it has flourished under a combination of their care and the leadership and ceaseless toil of Kevin Brown who took the reins from Elmer in the family business tradition. The employees are no doubt very relieved that the nursery will undergo the change in ownership without major upheavals. Having the support of the employees was key to John's decision to move forward with negotiating the purchase.

And John has faith that the employees clearly know what they are doing. In-house botanical maestro Chris Wilson has worked there for over 30 years; likewise plant and garden expert Nina Klinck. Deb Barnes is the connoisseur of perennials — a perennial favorite some might say. Two of the landscaping workers are "old-timers" as well, Aiden Cudhea and Chris Paquin. And there's a personal connection at work here too. John knows Nina from way back when they were at school together in Norwich and Hanover.  

The most noticeable change will be an increased emphasis on landscaping services, thanks to Fred Fournier’s expertise and energy. To underscore this, the name of the nursery will change sometime next week to E.C. Browns’ Nursery and Landscaping. 

There's just one position that remains to be filled. The new E.C. Browns’ is in need of a bookkeeper/office manager/accountant. A love of plants would be welcome but is not required. That role used to be filled by Elmer Brown's wife, Bertha Brown, when she wasn't busy ministering to her congregation, helping seniors, or chairing the White River Council on Aging. After her passing, daughter-in-law Robin Brown carried on in the bookkeeper's role. 

Meanwhile, plants and supplies for the upcoming growing season will arrive in tractor-trailers in a couple of weeks. It is a testament to the richness of the inventory carried by this family business that they are served by 20 different suppliers. Employees will soon be hard at work potting up the newly arrived plants and preparing for one other change: E.C. Browns’ will be open on Sundays.

E.C. Browns' will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027. And with gardening, ranked as one of the most popular hobbies in the US with about 77% of the population taking part, it seems likely that this landmark local institution will continue to serve – and delight – generations of Upper Valley gardeners to come.

Inquiries about the bookkeeper position may be sent to John Freeman: john@freemanhouse.com.