Designed for Life: Trusted Expertise for Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Gardens Across Southeastern New Hampshire
At Values First Gardening, we plan and create gardens that are beautiful, sustainable, and easy to live with and enjoy. Whether you dream of a vibrant pollinator haven or automated drip irrigation that keeps everything thriving when you’re away, we make it possible to have the gardens and landscape you love — without the constant work or worry.
What We Do
At Values First Gardening, we help homeowners across Southeastern NH:
Bring nature home with native pollinator and wildlife plantings
Save time and water with residential-scale drip irrigation systems
Simplify care with practical, low-maintenance solutions
Feel confident knowing their garden installations are thoughtfully planned and executed
Our services are flexible to fit your needs
Consultation only: We visit your space and provide tailored recommendations, plant lists, and guidance for homeowners who prefer a DIY approach.
Design and installation: We plan and install pollinator gardens and drip irrigation systems designed for long-term success and low maintenance.
Ongoing care: For clients who want continued support, we offer seasonal maintenance for the gardens and irrigation systems we create.
What Makes Us Different
What sets us apart is how we approach each project:
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 plants, beneficial insects, and pollinators are protected throughout every installation.
We provide custom, thoughtful planning and installation - not cookie-cutter solutions.
We combine trusted expertise with a boutique, personal touch, tailoring every garden to your property, lifestyle, and values. The result is an outdoor space you can truly enjoy — beautiful, low-maintenance, and aligned with your values. Every project is installed with care and attention, protecting your plants and pollinators, and designed so you can enjoy it without worry or guesswork.
Pollinator Garden Planning & Habitat Establishment
Create a living landscape full of color, movement, and life. We design and install native plantings that support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects while staying beautiful through the seasons.
Site-specific planning based on ecology and aesthetics
Native plants that thrive in our New England climate
Installation techniques to prevent weeds and ensure success
Collaboration with professional designers for homeowners wanting a more formal or artistic style
Maintenance options are available for seasonal or as-needed care.
Photo: Wildreturn, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Residential Drip Irrigation Systems
Enjoy your garden without being tied to a watering can, hose, or weather report. Our custom-designed drip irrigation systems keep raised beds, ornamental plantings, fruits and vegetables, and new installations healthy and thriving — even during droughts or when you’re away.
We handle all the parts that make a system work flawlessly:
Assessing your property and plantings to figure out the best layout and system type
Measuring and designing the system for precise, efficient watering
Professional installation and testing to ensure everything performs as intended
Clear instruction so you know how to operate and adjust your system with confidence
Benefits for you:
Saves time, water, and money while protecting wells and minimizing water bills
Keeps gardens healthy and vibrant with minimal daily effort
Ideal for busy homeowners, frequent travelers, and anyone seeking low-maintenance gardening
We also offer seasonal maintenance and system checkups to ensure long-term performance and peace of mind.
About
At Values First Gardening, we believe your outdoor spaces should bring you joy — not stress. Our clients care about beauty, ecology, and smart solutions that make life easier. We bring professional expertise, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability to every project.
Founder Nate Bernitz spent years with UNH Cooperative 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 homeowners across Southeastern NH.
No upselling. No one-size-fits-all landscaping. Just trusted expertise and gardens that thrive for years to come.
Nate has also written extensively for University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension on gardening and landscaping best practices for New England homeowners. These articles are examples of how Nate provides clear, actionable advice grounded in science and years of hands-on experience.
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. Some work is billed at a flat project rate, while others may be 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.
- How far in advance should I book?
Spring and early fall are our busiest times for installations, so booking early ensures you get the timing that works best for you.
- 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 or as-needed maintenance for gardens and irrigation systems 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 ecological, low-maintenance designs. However, if you want a highly formal or artistic garden design, we’re happy to collaborate with professional garden designers while handling the installation and ecological aspects of the project.
- 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.
For drip irrigation, timelines also depend on complexity and preferences — for example, whether you want the system fully concealed or installed for easy access. We provide clear timelines before work begins so you know what to expect.