Lilacs are New Hampshire’s state flower and a springtime favorite across the Seacoast, from Portsmouth to Rye, Exeter to North Hampton. Their fragrant blooms are stunning, but without the right pruning, lilacs quickly become overgrown, woody, and sparse. The key is timing — prune immediately after they finish blooming in late May or early June. With regular deadheading, thinning of older stems, and thoughtful shaping, lilacs will reward you with healthier growth, vibrant blossoms, and decades of beauty in your garden.

A pollinator garden does more than look beautiful. It connects your Portsmouth backyard to a living network of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects that your whole neighborhood depends on. The key is designing for continuous bloom from early spring through hard frost, choosing plants suited to coastal Zone 6b conditions, and letting the garden be just a little wilder than you might be used to. Here is how to do it well.

When a perennial clump stops blooming freely or develops that telltale dead zone in the center, it is not a problem — it is an invitation. Learn which plants to divide, when to do it in our Zone 6b coastal climate, and how to do it well.

There is a narrow window in early spring when mulching does more good than at almost any other time of year — and most gardeners miss it. Along the Seacoast, that window falls in March, before weed seeds germinate and freeze-thaw cycles do their damage. Here is how to make the most of it.

Hydrangeas are Seacoast favorites, but pruning mistakes often leave gardeners with leaves instead of blooms. The key is knowing your variety and pruning at the right time. Bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, while panicle and smooth types bloom on new wood. With the right approach, you’ll enjoy reliable flowers year after year.

April is the best time to stop powdery mildew before it starts. In Seacoast gardens, cool air and rising humidity create ideal conditions for fungal growth. With simple steps like improving airflow, watering correctly, and ensuring proper sunlight, you can protect your plants early and avoid damage later in the season.