Planting perennials this spring on the New Hampshire Seacoast? Don’t skip one of the most important (and overlooked) planting steps: cutting and loosening pot-bound roots. Many perennials from garden centers arrive with tightly packed roots that need help before going in the ground. At Seacoast Gardener, we know that prepping these plants properly is key to long-term success—especially in our compact soils and short growing season. Here’s how to spot a pot-bound perennial and give it the best start in your garden.

On New Hampshire’s Seacoast, oversized foundation shrubs like Yew and Arborvitae often outgrow their space, block windows, and damage siding. What starts as a quick fix can turn into years of frustration. Here's how to avoid the mistake and choose smarter, size-appropriate plants from the start.

Spring along the Seacoast brings more than just warmer weather—it’s the perfect time to rethink your garden with plants that suit the region’s unique climate. In coastal New Hampshire, successful spring planting means blending bulbs, annuals, perennials, and shrubs to create a landscape that thrives through the seasons. Whether you’re drawn to the early blooms of daffodils, the vibrant colors of summer annuals, or the long-term structure of shrubs, a well-balanced mix ensures beauty, resilience, and pollinator support. At Seacoast Gardener, we help homeowners build gardens that bloom from early spring to winter’s edge—all with the local knowledge needed to make it work in our challenging but rewarding environment.

If you garden in New England, Forsythia bloom time is more than just a sign of spring — it’s nature’s way of saying, “Let’s get started.” Those bright yellow flowers mean soil temps are hitting 50°F, signaling it's time to weed, prep, divide perennials, and refresh your beds. At Seacoast Gardener, we follow seasonal cues like this to guide smart, well-timed garden care. Here's how Forsythia can help you kick off spring prep right on the Seacoast.

If you're gardening in coastal New Hampshire, sedge grass is a smart, sustainable choice—especially for damp, shady, or erosion-prone areas where traditional lawns fall short. More than just a lawn alternative, sedge adds texture, thrives with minimal care, and works in harmony with local soil and moisture conditions. At Seacoast Gardener, we recommend sedge grass for spring planting because it supports healthy landscapes, prevents runoff, and looks great year-round. Learn how this low-maintenance plant can transform problem areas into lush, thriving parts of your garden.

If you garden on the New Hampshire Seacoast and love shady garden corners, Lily of the Valley might seem like the perfect plant—but it’s one that needs a little planning. With fragrant white blooms and lush foliage, it’s easy to fall in love with. But be warned: this charming shade groundcover can spread fast and quietly take over. At Seacoast Gardener, we believe great gardens come from smart plant choices. In this post, we share practical tips on how to enjoy Lily of the Valley without letting it get out of hand.