You probably know that spring is one of the best times to plant—with mild temps and more moisture—but it can also be a really busy time of year. With school ending, graduations, wedding season and travel, a lot of people wonder if planting will lead to too much time in the yard, time they don’t have.

But you can find easy-care plants that thrive in New Hampshire soil, give you the look you want and fit into an already busy life. Plus, we have a few tips and services to help you save time and money.

Why Choose Low-Maintenance Plants?

Low-maintenance plants save you time and effort because, when planted in the right places, they require less watering, little to no pruning and fertilizing. We find a lot of other benefits, too. Easy-care plants:

• Save you money – When you stick with low-maintenance varieties, you use fewer resources like water, fertilizer, etc. and you have a greater chance of success, which means you won’t be looking for replacements any time soon.
• Come back year after year – We’re sticking to perennials for our easy-care list because they return year after year with little to no work once established. The gift that keeps on giving. 
• Give you grace – You don’t need to be perfect to keep these plants alive, which makes it easier to sneak away for a long weekend (or more), forget to water occasionally, etc.
• Give you growing confidence – This is a great place to start, learn a little about plant care and celebrate your wins. When you’re ready, you can take on a new challenge.

Tips to Grow By

Let’s start with a few pointers before we talk plants. If you want a thriving garden with minimal effort:

• Choose Native Plants – They require less water, adapt easily to local conditions and are better for pollinators and the eco-system.
• Use Mulch – It retains moisture, suppresses weeds and reduces watering and mowing.
• Opt for Perennials Over Annuals – Less replanting means less work and expense each year.
• Ask Us to Deliver and Plant for You or We’ll Teach You – We deliver shrubs and trees locally and plant with care or we’ll help you plant like a pro.
• Install Drip Irrigation – Automated watering gives you freedom and saves time.
• Plant in the Right Location – Sun-loving plants in sun, shade-loving plants in shade—it makes all the difference!

Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for NH Yards

Our staff grows for fun and knows their stuff. Here’s their choices for best easy-care perennials for New Hampshire’s climate:

• Coneflower (Echinacea) – Drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly (a real bonus!) and blooms from summer to fall.
• Hosta – Thrives in shade with little care, adding lush greenery in otherwise bare spots.
• Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Hardy and vibrant, these flowers attract butterflies and require little upkeep.
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis) – Nearly indestructible and bloom beautifully throughout the season.
• Sedum (Stonecrop) – A drought-resistant plant with succulent-like foliage and long-lasting blooms.

 

Best Low-Maintenance Shrubs for NH

Shrubs add structure and year-round interest to your landscape with minimal care. Try these reliable options:

• Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) – Requires little pruning and offers stunning summer blooms.
• Boxwood (Buxus) – An evergreen that provides structure without constant trimming.
• Spirea (Spiraea) – Hardy, drought-tolerant, and produces clusters of colorful flowers.
• Lilac (Syringa) – Classic New England favorite with fragrant spring blooms and little maintenance.
• Juniper (Juniperus) – A tough, evergreen shrub that thrives in poor soil and harsh conditions.

 

Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers

Ground covers suppress weeds and reduce the need for mulching. Consider these easy-care options:

• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – A colorful, spring-blooming plant that spreads easily.
• Pachysandra – A shade-loving, evergreen ground cover that requires no mowing.
• Ajuga (Bugleweed) – A fast-growing plant with striking foliage and purple flowers.
• Sedum (Creeping Stonecrop) – Drought-resistant and spreads quickly in rock gardens or borders.  

 

You Can Do This

You don’t need to spend hours in the yard and garden to enjoy a landscape you love. With the right plant choices, and advice and help if you need it, you can do this. Visit us this spring and ask our expert team for help finding the perfect low-maintenance shrubs, perennials, and easy-care plants for New Hampshire soil. We can’t wait to see you.