Designed for Life: Trusted Expertise for Sustainable, Low-Maintenance Gardens Across Southeastern New Hampshire
At Values First Gardening, we plan and create gardens and meadows that are beautiful, sustainable, and easy to live with and enjoy.
What We Do
At Values First Gardening, we help homeowners across Southeastern NH:
Bring nature home with native pollinator and wildlife plantings
Undertake wildflower meadow establishment from seeds or plugs using methods to match the space, timeline, and budget
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 gardens and meadows designed for long-term success and low maintenance.
Ongoing care: For clients who want continued support, we offer seasonal maintenance for the gardens and and meadows 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 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
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 care.
Photo: Wildreturn, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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 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 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.
“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.