Houseplants are proven to significantly increase mental well-being and enhance quality of life. Beyond their health benefits, they also can add warmth and charm to a living space. By incorporating houseplants into your living space and work space you are improving your quality of life.

Multiple studies show that indoor plants keep you healthier and happier, offering both psychological and physical health benefits that include, improving your mood, reducing fatigue, lowering stress and anxiety, improving focus, and improving air quality. 

Although all houseplants offer health benefits, we compiled a list of plants that we believe benefit you the most and look beautiful doing so!

1. Spider Plant – This thriving plant acts as a natural air purifier, removing toxins and boosting indoor humidity. Spider plants release oxygen 24/7 improving air quality and are the perfect plant for beginners!
2. Chinese Money Plant – This pancake-shaped plant offers air purification, and stress reduction creating a healthy, calming atmosphere. Known for attracting wealth, luck, and positive energy, the Chinese Money Plant is a popular low-maintenance choice for plant owners.
3. Peace Lily– This flowering plant purifies indoor air, reducing mold spores, boosting humidity for easier breathing, promoting relaxation, which can lead to better sleep, reduced stress, and improved focus. 
4. Pothos – The popular heart-shaped houseplant helps to improve air quality removing toxins such as carbon monoxide and benzene. Pothos can also boost moods and create a calming presence making the perfect addition to any space! 
5. ZZ Plant– This pet-friendly indoor plant protects your space from toxins, making your home a safer and more fresh place to live. Plus, this beautiful houseplant thrives on neglect, making the perfect plant for a beginner plant parent. 

Whether you are new to plant care or a seasonal plant parent, incorporating houseplants into your living space will improve overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and will add a touch of green to dull space. Shop all of our houseplants today!

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Winter Houseplants For Your Home

Houseplants are an excellent addition to any household, since they add warmth and charm to any living space. Beyond their decorative benefits, they also are scientifically proven to increase mental well-being and enhance quality of life. By incorporating houseplants into your decor, they can transform a gloomy area into a warm and inviting space.

Whether you are new to houseplants or a seasoned expert, houseplants can be tricky to take care of during the winter months. With reduced sunlight and dry air from indoor heating, winter is not a time when your plants will thrive. However, with the right care, they can certainly survive. Below are the best houseplants to enjoy during the winter months.

Birkin Philodendron: Birkin Philodendron is a unique plant with dark green and creamy white foliage. This houseplant is perfect for small spaces and thrives with limited light. Low maintenance and great for beginner plant owners. 

Snake Plant: Snake Plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Their stiff leaves grow in a compact whorl, making a perfect plant for adding height. Snake Plants are an easy and adaptable plant that is well suited to a lower light area. 

Pothos: Pothos is a great houseplant choice for beginners. This low-maintenance plant thrives in low light, and their heart-shaped leaves offer a beautiful display. These plants are perfect for hanging baskets with their trailing leaves. 

Need help? Visit our Greenhouse at Studley’s for expert advice and everything you need to know about houseplants.

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At Studley’s Flower Gardens, we’ve spent nearly a century helping New Hampshire gardeners understand their plants’ needs. Let’s dig into everything you need to know about keeping your green friends happy and hydrated.

Why Proper Watering Matters

Here’s the truth: More plants die from overwatering than underwatering. It’s tempting to show love through that daily watering routine, but your plants might be drowning in good intentions.

Water is life for plants—it carries nutrients from the soil, keeps cells firm and upright, and powers photosynthesis. But too much water pushes out the oxygen that roots desperately need, leading to root rot and fungal diseases. Too little, and your plants can’t absorb nutrients or maintain their structure.

Factors That Affect Watering Frequency

“How often should I water my plants?” It’s a simple question. But first, let’s talk about what influences their thirst. Every garden is unique, and here in New Hampshire, we deal with our own special set of conditions.

Soil Type: Clay soils hold moisture longer but drain slowly, while sandy soils drain quickly and need more frequent watering. Most New Hampshire gardens have a mix, but knowing yours makes all the difference.

Temperature and Weather: Our hot July days mean plants need more water. Cool spring mornings? Less so. Pay attention to the forecast—if rain is coming, save yourself the work!

Humidity Levels: New Hampshire’s humidity varies throughout the year. More moisture in the air means less evaporation from soil and leaves.

Plant Type and Maturity: A newly planted hydrangea needs more attention than that established oak tree in your yard. Young plants have smaller root systems and need consistent moisture to get established.

Sun Exposure: Full-sun gardens dry out faster than shaded areas. That sunny south-facing spot near your mailbox? It’s going to need more water than plants shaded by your home.

Wind: Those breezy days we love? They’re pulling moisture out of your soil and plants faster than you think.

How Often Should I Water My Plants?

Here’s where it gets personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should water plants, but we can give you some solid guidelines to start with.

The Finger Test: Before reaching for the hose, stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, your plants are doing just fine.

For most established gardens during our New Hampshire growing season, aim for 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. During hot spells, you might need to double that.

In-Ground vs Container Plants

This distinction matters more than you might think!

In-Ground Plants: Once established (usually after the first year), most in-ground plants in New Hampshire need watering once or twice per week during the growing season. Their roots have room to spread out and search for moisture, making them more self-sufficient. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, creating stronger, more drought-resistant plants.

Container Plants: These need your attention more often—sometimes daily during peak summer! Containers dry out faster because they have limited soil volume and drainage holes. Check them every day with the finger test, and water thoroughly when the top inch or two feels dry. On those scorching July afternoons, don’t be surprised if your container gardens need water twice a day.

Seasonal Adjustments

New Hampshire’s four distinct seasons mean your watering routine should change throughout the year.

Spring: As plants wake up and new growth emerges, monitor soil moisture closely. Spring rains often do the heavy lifting, but watch for dry spells. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials need consistent moisture to establish roots.

Summer: This is prime watering season! With longer days, higher temperatures, and active growth, plants are thirstiest now. Stick to your regular schedule but stay flexible—a week of 90-degree days calls for extra attention.

Fall: As temperatures cool and growth slows, you can ease up. But don’t stop completely! Plants still need water to prepare for winter, especially evergreens and newly planted specimens. Keep watering until the ground freezes.

Winter: Most dormant plants don’t need supplemental water, but evergreens can benefit from watering during warm spells if we’re experiencing a dry winter.

Houseplants vs Outdoor Plants

Your indoor green friends play by different rules than your outdoor gardens.

Houseplants typically need watering every 1-2 weeks, but it varies wildly by plant type. Succulents might go 3-4 weeks, while ferns could need water twice weekly. The finger test is your best friend here, too. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. 

Watch for signs: Drooping leaves often mean thirst, while yellowing leaves can signal overwatering.

How Much to Water a Plant

Knowing how much to water a plant is just as important as knowing when. The goal is to water deeply but infrequently, encouraging strong root growth.

For In-Ground Gardens: Apply enough water to moisten the soil 6-8 inches deep—that’s where most roots live. This typically means running a sprinkler for 30-45 minutes or using a soaker hose for an hour. Use a rain gauge or an empty tuna can to measure: you want about 1 inch of water.

For Container Plants: Water until you see it flowing from the drainage holes at the bottom. This ensures the entire root ball gets moistened, not just the top layer. Wait a few minutes, then water again—dry soil sometimes repels water on the first pass.

For Individual Plants: Deliver water slowly at the base, creating a basin around the plant if needed. How long to water plants depends on their size. Small perennials might need a gallon, while young trees benefit from 10-15 gallons per watering session.

The Deep Watering Principle: One deep watering beats three shallow sprinkles every time. Deep watering trains roots to grow down into the soil where moisture stays more consistent. Shallow watering creates shallow roots that struggle during dry spells.

Plant Watering Schedule & Best Time

Timing isn’t everything, but it sure helps your plants make the most of every drop.

The Best Time to Water House Plants and Outdoor Gardens: Early morning is ideal—typically between 6:00 and 10:00 AM. Here’s why:

• Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation
• Plants have all day to absorb what they need
• Foliage has time to dry, reducing disease risk
• You’ll use less water overall

Early Evening: This works too, especially if mornings don’t fit your schedule. Water between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, giving foliage time to dry before nightfall.

Avoid Midday: Watering in the heat of the day wastes water through evaporation and can stress plants with sudden temperature changes.

Sample Weekly Schedule: Here’s a flexible framework for New Hampshire gardens:

• Monday and Thursday mornings: Deep water in-ground beds and borders
• Daily: Quick check and water for container plants
• Wednesday: Houseplant check-in day
• Weekend: Adjust based on rainfall and temperature

Remember, this is a starting point. Your plants will tell you if they need more or less!

DIY Plant Watering Checklist for Beginners

Starting a garden can feel overwhelming, but you’ve got this! Keep this checklist handy:

Before You Water:

• Check soil moisture with the finger test (2 inches deep for gardens, 1 inch for pots)
• Look at your plants—do they appear wilted or stressed?
• Consider recent weather—did it rain? How hot has it been?
• Check your weekly rainfall total

While You’re Watering:

• Water at the base of plants, not the foliage
• Water slowly so soil absorbs it rather than running off
• Use a wand or watering can for precision with individual plants
• Set up sprinklers or soaker hoses for larger areas
• Watch container drainage—water should flow out the bottom

How Studley’s Flower Gardens Can Help

Since 1928, we’ve been helping Rochester neighbors and the wider New Hampshire community create gardens that flourish. Watering might seem straightforward, but every garden has its own personality, and we’re here to help you understand yours.

Plant Selection Matters: Not sure what will thrive in your conditions? We grow many of our plants right here locally, and we know what works in New Hampshire’s climate. From water-wise perennials to container-friendly annuals, we’ll help you choose plants matched to your watering capacity and lifestyle.

Expert Advice: Questions about your plant watering schedule? Wondering if that brown spot means too much or too little water? We’re always here to help troubleshoot. Your success makes us happy!

Professional Services: Prefer to leave it to the experts? Our landscape services include irrigation system installation, garden design with water efficiency in mind, and ongoing maintenance programs. We’ll create a beautiful outdoor space and keep it thriving.

Quality Tools and Supplies: From soaker hoses to moisture meters, rain barrels to premium mulches that help retain soil moisture, we stock everything you need to water smarter, not harder.Visit our Garden Center! Stop by our Rochester location to talk with our expert team.

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Prepping Your Garden For Fall

Now that summer is beginning to wind down, prepping your garden for fall is crucial. This fall preparation will ensure a healthy and productive garden throughout the cooler months.

New Hampshire’s weather is known for distinct and dramatic seasonal changes. This means your garden requires special attention. By taking the proper steps now, you can keep your garden in great shape through early fall, and set the stage for a beautiful and vibrant spring.

Your gardens provide so much pleasure during their peak season, so taking care of your plants to weather the the winter months is a no-brainer. By taking the time to care for your garden now, you’ll set the stage for a lush and vibrant return come spring. Follow the four essential steps outlined below to prepare your garden for winter.

Prepare Garden Beds: As the growing season winds down, blooms beginning to fade is your signal to prepare your garden beds for the colder months. Remove any dead plants, weeds, and debris, then gently loosen the soil to keep it healthy. 

Divide Perennials: Once your soil is loosened, divide any overcrowded perennials to allow for rejuvenation when your plants start to come back to life. Not only does overcrowding diminish each plant’s size, but dividing them creates new plantings for your garden. 

Clean Garden Tools and Equipment: Cleaning garden tools and equipment is critical to maintain a healthy and vibrant garden since this will prevent rust and curb plant diseases. Clean, dry, and sharpen your tools and equipment in fall to ensure they’re in top condition and ready for action when spring arrives.

Collect Seeds: Late summer and early fall are prime times for collecting and preparing seeds for next year’s garden. Harvest seeds on dry days when they’ve matured, dry them thoroughly, and then store them in a cool, dry place for safekeeping.

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Safe Houseplants for Your Pets

Pets love to sniff (and sometimes even taste!) the elements in their surroundings, but did you know that many common house plants are toxic to pets? For plant lovers that share their home with furry friends, finding houseplants that are pet friendly is crucial for keeping your four-legged friends safe. Fortunately, there are a variety of beautiful options that are also pet friendly.

When selecting indoor plants for your home, remember that if they are accessible to your pet, there is always a risk that your pet might try a taste. At Studley’s, we’re happy to help guide you toward pet-friendly greenery that keeps both your space and your furry companions happy and healthy. Here are a few pet-safe options for both canines and felines.

1. Spider Plant: 

Known as a plant that is relatively easy to care for, Spider Plants are a popular choice for indoor plants. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. 

2. Chinese Money Plant

Chinese Money Plants (Pilea peperomioides) thrive indoors with bright, indirect light, moderate watering, and well-draining soil. They prefer average room temperatures and humidity.

3. Prayer Plant

Although they do not prefer direct sunlight, Prayer Plants thrive indoors with bright, indirect light, consistently moist soil, and high humidity.

4. Watermelon Peperomia

Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is another plant that is easy to grow, and prefers bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Overwatering is a common issue, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. 

5. Money Tree

Money Trees need bright, indirect sunlight. Pruning can be done in the spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged foliage. 

6. Boston Fern

Boston Ferns thrive with bright, indirect light and consistently moist, well-drained soil. They also appreciate high humidity, so misting or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles with water can help. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their fronds.

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Celebrate Wellness

August is National Wellness Month, a whole month dedicated to encouraging self-care, healthy habits and reducing stress. This dedicated month is great reminder to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Houseplants and flowers offer an abundance of benefits that contribute to your overall well-being. 

Flowers and plants have been proven to significantly impact daily lives and boost mental well-beings amongst many people. Here are a few benefits that are directly related to being surrounded by plants and flowers.

1. Better Sleep Quality

Enjoying a good night’s sleep is crucial to maintaining your mental health and overall well-being. According to a study conducted by The National Library of Medicine “Lavender is traditionally alleged to have a variety of therapeutic and curative properties” such as inducing relaxation and calming the nervous system. Other plants such as Jasmine, Peace Lillies, and Sansevieria (more commonly known as “Snake Plant”) have all been found to improve sleep quality.

2. Stress Reduction

Research from the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health found that living with flowers significantly reduces stress in your everyday life. Their study, which followed women receiving flower deliveries weekly, concluded a 5.5 point reduction in stress scores compared to those who did not receive flowers. Flowers are more than just a nice gesture – the presence of flowers has been proven to trigger positive emotions and decrease the production of cortisol, the hormone directly related to stress.

Order a Fresh Bouquet Today!

3. Enhanced Creativity

A Texas A&M Study shows that greenery has a direct impact on creativity and your overall mental health. Individuals working in environments with plants and flowers reported higher levels of creativity than those who did not. Plants can stimulate the mind and spark creativity within your daily lives, adding a simple houseplant to your living space will only benefit you and those around you!

4. Mood Booster

A behavioral study from Rutgers University found that flowers have a significant, positive impact on mood and emotional well-being. Their research showed that flowers trigger genuine expressions of joy and improve mood for days after they are received. In the study, 100% of the recipients showed true forms of excitement across all ages and genders. 

Shop Flower Arrangements and Houseplants!

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A Little Summer TLC

As we reach the peak of summer, now is the perfect time to give your garden and flower containers a little TLC. A mid-summer refresh will not only keep your blooms vibrant but can also ensure your plants thrive throughout the rest of the season.

Here are some simple ways to get started on your mid-summer refresh and keep flower containers looking stunning:

1. Deadheading

Deadheading offers more than just a clean look for your plants – removing older blooms is an essential task to encourage new growth and ensure your containers stay looking fresh. This simple act helps your plants conserve energy, so they can focus on producing new buds.

2. Refresh Soil

If your containers have been sitting for a while, the soil may have lost crucial nutrients. Consider refreshing the top few inches with fresh potting soil for a mid-summer infusion!

3. Add New Plants

Swapping out some plants will add a fresh burst of color. Summer annuals, such as petunias, coneflowers, and Black-eyed Susans, are perfect for adding vibrancy to your containers. Check out the links to these plants below!

4. Watering Habits

Watering is key during the heat of summer. Confirm your containers are getting enough water, but avoid over-watering. You  can perform a simple finger test to check in on your plants. Stick your finger into the soil up to your first or second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait before watering again.

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Beat The Summer Heat!

As the hottest days of the year roll in, your garden may need a little extra care to stay vibrant and productive. Whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or just enjoying a beautiful outdoor retreat, these five quick tips will help keep your garden healthy, hydrated, and happy all summer long.

1. Water Consistently

Timing is everything when it comes to watering. Aim to water early in the morning before the sun is high and evaporation kicks in. If mornings aren’t possible, early evening works too. The key is consistency: water deeply and regularly to keep roots strong and soil moist.

 2. Encourage Blooms

Keep those flowers coming! Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote new growth. For an extra boost, feed your container plants weekly and apply fertilizer to garden beds around mid-summer to support ongoing bloom cycles and plant health.

3. Mulch & Maintain

A fresh layer of mulch does wonders in summer heat. It helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and gives your garden a tidy look. Pull weeds during your regular watering routine or while strolling the garden in the evening to make upkeep feel effortless.

4. Create Shade

Shield heat-sensitive plants by introducing natural shade. Use trellises, tall plants, sun-loving vines, or small trees to reduce harsh sun exposure and keep your garden cooler. Not only does this protect your plants, but shade can make your entire yard more inviting.

5. Mow Less, But Higher

Resist the urge to cut your lawn too short in the summer. Raise your mower blades to 3 inches or more. Taller grass grows deeper roots, retains moisture better, and withstands the summer heat more effectively.

With a few small adjustments, your garden can flourish through even the hottest months. Keep these tips in mind as you care for your plants this season and enjoy a full, low-stress outdoor space all summer long.

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Celebrate National Pollinator Week With Us!

At Studley Flower Garden, we believe gardening is more than just beautiful, it’s meaningful. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate National Pollinator Week (June 17–23), a time dedicated to recognizing the vital role that bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators play in our daily lives.

Pollinators are essential to the health of our planet. They help 75% of flowering plants reproduce and are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. From vibrant flowers to fruits, vegetables, and nuts, pollinators make it all possible. Sadly, these essential creatures are facing growing threats. 

In honor of National Pollinator Week, below are a few ways your garden can be part of the solution.

Why Pollinators Need Our Help

Pollinators need healthy habitats with flowers, nesting spots, and clean water – but urban growth and environmental changes are shrinking these safe spaces.

Incorporating small steps, such as planting native flowers, using organic fertilizers, and avoiding pesticides, can create welcoming environments for pollinators in our yards, containers, and community spaces.

How To Make Your Garden Pollinator Friendly

At Studley’s, we’re here to help you plant with purpose. Here are a few simple ways to support pollinators this season:

Choose Pollinator Friendly Plants: We offer a variety of low-maintanence and pollinator friendly plants that are vibrant and will brighten up any garden space. 

Some Of Studley’s Favorite Pollinator Friendly Plants

• Mohican Viburnum
• Lucerne Blue-Eyed Grass
• Magnus Coneflower
• Grape Gumball Beebalm
• Vanilla Spice Summersweet

Go Pesticide Free: Many pesticides are toxic to pollinators. Choose organic or natural alternatives, and always read labels carefully. Insecticidal soaps and neem oil are great options for common garden pests.

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The Perfect Summer Host Gift

Summer is full of reasons to gather, sunny backyard BBQs, weekend dinner parties and casual porch hangs. If you’ve been invited to celebrate the season with friends or family, bring a hostess gift to make a real impression. A thoughtful gift goes a long way and is always a welcome surprise. Our fresh flower bouquets are the perfect way to show your appreciation.

Ancient Origins

In Classical Antiquity, the concept of xenia in Ancient Greece laid the foundation for modern-day hospitality traditions. Guests were expected to bring gifts as tokens of respect, and hosts reciprocated with generosity. This mutual exchange reinforced social bonds and obligations. Although the tradition of the host or hostess gift has evolved in many ways over time, we prefer to stick to our roots!

Fresh Flowers

As a universally recognized sign of gratitude and goodwill, fresh flowers are an excellent host gift choice because they immediately brighten up a room and bring elegance to a space. A bouquet in a vase provides a short-term burst of seasonal beauty and their temporary nature is a low-pressure option in a world of possibilities. Even a modest bouquet can feel luxurious for the receiver, and the arrangement can also be tailored to suit an event or feature seasonal blooms.

At Studley’s Flower Gardens, we make it easy to show your gratitude with fresh flowers. Our ready-to-go floral arrangements are designed with seasonal blooms in bright, cheerful colors, perfect for any summertime celebration. Want something more personal? Let us design a custom bouquet that fits your host’s style.

For our latest fresh flower bouquets, shop our Summer Bouquets!

Houseplants

Unlike cut flowers, a houseplant is enduring and provides a long-term reminder of the gift-giver’s appreciation. From a health perspective, houseplants help purify the air and add a sense of calm to indoor environments. The variety selected can serve as a conversation starter and complement the host’s personality or style. Finally, plants are a sustainable and environmentally conscious gift, continuing to give back to the home and environment as long as it continues to thrive.

Whether you are looking for a stunning single plant or a robust planter, Studley’s offers a wide selection of plant gifts.

Traveling to your destination? We also offer shipping for our houseplants! Our houseplants ship every Tuesday so you can coordinate with your arrival or even send as thank you following your visit. Choose from planters like the Dish Garden Selection or the Succulent Selection, or stunning plants like the Purple Oxalis or Orange Scented Geranium.

Shop the wide selection of houseplants lovingly grown in our greenhouses year-round. 

Memorable Gifts are Always the Right Size

Bringing flowers or a plant to your next summer gathering is a simple, meaningful gesture that’s always appreciated. Whether it’s a small thank-you for a grilled meal or a thoughtful token for a weekend stay, we’re here to help you make it memorable.

Visit Studley Flower Gardens in Rochester or peruse our online offerings to find the perfect host or hostess gift for every summer occasion. Thoughtful, fresh, and always beautiful!  

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