Guide to Successful Plantings

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to this Guide

2. Invasive Plants of NH – Prohibited Plant Species and Plant Species Watch List

3. Drought Tolerant Plants for New Hampshire Landscapes

4. Native Plants for New England Gardens Including Sources for Native Seeds

5. Examples of Shrubs, Perennials, Biennials and Annuals

6. Resources and Other Websites of Interest

1. Introduction to this Guide

Spring is typically the planting season. The intent of this guide is for informational purposes only. It is designed to help homeowners with their garden design by providing suggestions, and using examples of the types of plants that may be grown successfully in the Mount Washington Valley.

When designing or maintaining a yard or a garden there are many factors to consider. These are:

• Positions of the sunlight and shade at different times of the day, using temperature-hardy plants for the NH zone,

• Water availability, and knowing the make-up of your garden soil.

• Knowing what not to plant, which are listed in the *list of invasive plants.
  An invasive plant is not native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction is likely to cause environmental as well as economic harm. It can move aggressively into an area, monopolizing light, nutrients, water, and space to the detriment of native species.

  **Xeriscaping is a practice which requires little or no irrigation and utilizes techniques such as mulching with moisture retaining products like bark mulch, and planting ***native species of New England. A good example of xeriscaping is using bark mulch around plants, trees and shrubs which minimizes evaporation and helps retain and conserve water. With New Hampshire experiencing drought conditions over the last few summers, becoming aware of which plants, particularly native plants that are drought tolerant, follows good water conservation practices.

  There are many plants already found in the Mount Washington Valley that are drought resistant and native. Some have pollinator gardens designed to attract bees and a wide variety of beneficial insects. Others have themed gardens, color gardens, texture gardens, native plantings and boundaries or meadows.

  Take a walk around and if you see a plant you like, ask your neighbor what it is. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors.

  By using plants which are adapted to our environment, you can achieve a beautiful landscape that requires less work, less water and attracts the birds and the bees!

2. Invasive Plants of NH - – Prohibited Plant Species and Plant Species Watch List

Background: New Hampshire’s invasive species regulations currently prohibit the collection, sale, transport, distribution, propagation or transplantation of prohibited invasive plants.

Invasive plants are non-native plant species that spread rapidly by seed or vegetative means and pose a threat to agriculture, forests, wetlands, wildlife, and other natural resources of the state. Many homeowners use “dump dirt” or compost that the town provides free to residents. Please be aware that this may contain many invasive species, particularly knot weed.

Websites for more information:

https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/divisions/plant-industry/invasive-plants.htm

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/alternatives-invasive-landscape-plants-fact-sheet

3. Drought Tolerant Plants/Xeriscaping for New Hampshire Landscapes

Background: Xeriscaping uses drought resistant native plants to save water. It also requires less maintenance when properly mulched. Avoid the use of non-porous plastic, rubber, gravel, marble chips or stones in the garden. These materials should only be used for walkways because they act as heat sinks, drying the soil underneath. Other water conscious gardening practices include: collecting water by installing rain barrels to save water for later use, and the use of compost to amend the sandy soil, allowing it to retain water for longer periods of time.

Websites for more information:

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/drought-tolerant-plants-new-hampshire-landscapes-fact-sheet

https://www.des.nh.gov/blog/april-2019-xeriscaping-natural-lawns-are-new-green

4. Native Plants for New England Gardens

So, what are the benefits native plants can bring to the owner of the garden? Well, native plants do not require fertilizers since they are well adapted to live in the region. They also require fewer pesticides because they are naturally resilient to the garden pests that inhabit the area. Less need for pesticides can promote an increase of beneficial insect and bird populations, promoting biodiversity. Native plants need to be watered less often, too, because they have adapted over time to rely on the natural amounts of rainfall that occur in the region. Because of the benefits brought by native plants, you could save both time and money by establishing a New England native garden.

Websites for more information:
https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/

PLANT LISTS

Several wildflower seed companies specialize in individual seeds packets as well as seed mixes formulated for wet or dry meadows, pollinators, and erosion control suitable for
northern New England.

Websites and Sourcing for Native Seeds:

https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/09/seed-sources-new-england-meadows

https://www.ernstseed.com/product/facw-wetland-meadow-mix/

https://www.edenbrothers.com/products/northeast_wildflower_seed_mix

5. Examples of Shrubs, Perennials, Biennials, and Annuals Currently Found in Hale Estates

6. Resources and Other Websites of Interest

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ASK UNH EXTENSION (MASTER GARDENERS & EXTENSION SPECIALISTS)
Email: answers@unh.edu
Phone: 1-877-EXT-GROW (1-877-398-4769)

Garden Centers:

Sullivan’s Garden Center, Lancaster, NH

McSherry’s Nursery, Conway, NH

Lucy Hardware, Intervale, NH

NH Native Perennials, Madison, NH

Stephen’s Landscaping Garden Center, Moultonborough, NH

Xerces Society Pollinator

Friendly Plant Lists

Plants of the Northeast Region

American Beauties Native Plants

New Hampshire Hostas