We Create Low-Upkeep Gardens & Wildflower Meadows
Specializing in custom pollinator habitats and ecological landscapes tailored to your goals, values, and property. Small-scale meadows and gardens designed to thrive naturally with minimal maintenance across Southeastern NH and the Seacoast.
Guaranteed Response in 24 hours. Free Consult - Call or Text (603) 556-8361 or click this button for more options.
What We Do
At Values First Gardening, we help homeowners across Southeastern NH:
Bring nature home with concepts that support birds, bees, butterflies, and other local wildlife.
Establish home-scaled native wildflower meadows from seed or plugs tailored to your site, timeline, and budget.
Simplify yard, garden, and meadow care with practical, low-maintenance solutions
Gain complete confidence with installations that are thoughtfully planned and expertly executed.
What Makes Us Different
We listen closely to your goals and values, tailoring every garden to your property, lifestyle, and priorities
We combine trusted expertise with careful, detail-oriented work, ensuring your property, plants, and wildlife are protected throughout every installation.
Pollinator Garden Planning & Habitat Establishment
Create a living landscape full of color, movement, and life. We design and install plantings that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects while staying beautiful through the seasons.
Site-specific planning based on ecology and aesthetics
Plants that thrive in our New England climate
Proven installation techniques to prevent weeds and grow healthy, vigorous plants
Maintenance options are available for seasonal care.
Photo: Wildreturn, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Flexible Services
Consultation & Guidance: On-site assessments, custom plant lists, and step-by-step recommendations for homeowners who prefer a hands-on DIY approach.
Design & Installation: Turnkey planning and planting designed for long-term ecological health and easy, low-effort maintenance.
Seasonal Care: Specialized maintenance tailored specifically to keep native gardens and wildflower meadows thriving year after year.
About
At Values First Gardening, we believe your outdoor spaces should bring you joy — not stress. We bring professional expertise, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability.
Founder and operator Nate Bernitz spent years with UNH Extension as part of the home horticulture team, including co-hosting the popular Granite State Gardening podcast. He brings research-based knowledge and a passion for practical, sustainable gardening to Southeastern NH and the Seacoast.
No upselling. No one-size-fits-all landscaping. Just trusted expertise to build thriving gardens and home-scale meadows.
“Thank you so much for last night’s presentation! You drew in one of our biggest crowds. I loved the way you started the session and how thoughtfully you addressed everyone’s questions. It was extremely informative and wonderful how you kept it completely non-judgmental. We truly appreciate your time and effort!”
"I was looking for help downsizing my garden beds and I contacted the right person. Nate transformed a weedy mess into a fragrant, low-profile perennial evergreen garden. Very pleased with the results. Thank you, Nate!"
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the consultation process work?
We start with an on-site visit to learn about your property, goals, and preferences. Afterward, we provide a clear, written proposal outlining scope, costs, and timelines.
- Do you provide estimates or formal proposals?
Yes. We offer written estimates before any work begins so you can make informed decisions with no surprises.
- What is your pricing structure?
Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the project. Work is billed by the project, not hourly. We are always transparent with costs before you commit.
- Do you require a deposit?
Yes, most projects require a deposit at the time you approve the proposal, with the balance due upon completion.
- Are there projects too big or too small?
There are projects too big, but none too small. We don't use heavy equipment, so we specialize in gardens and meadows less than 3000 square feet.
- Do you carry insurance?
Yes. We carry liability insurance for all work performed.
- What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept checks and electronic payments and provide invoices for all completed work.
- Do you provide maintenance after installation?
Yes. We offer seasonal maintenance for gardens and meadows we install. If you prefer to handle maintenance yourself, we can provide written care instructions so you feel confident moving forward.
- Do you design formal or ornamental gardens?
We focus on low-maintenance designs. However, if you want a highly formal or artistic garden design, we’re happy to collaborate with professional garden designers.
- How long does a typical project take?
It depends on the size, scope, and site preparation required. Many pollinator garden installations can be completed in a day, but larger projects or those requiring extensive site prep take longer. Meadow projects can vary widely, with some methods spanning spring to fall.
Ready to elevate your landscape?
“I love these first conversations because they're an opportunity to listen, brainstorm, and start to build a vision for something special.” - Nate Bernitz, Values First Gardening