Portsmouth, New Hampshire
On a beautiful Summer morning, my husband and I went for a stroll through Portsmouth, New Hampshire’s Prescott Park. Visiting Prescott Park is on my to-do list every July; it’s a 10-acre area located on the waterfront just outside downtown Portsmouth. It has gardens, walking paths, big grassy fields, and shady benches where you can relax and take it all in.
Portsmouth, NH is the quintessential New England town…beautiful colonial houses, old brick sidewalks, and a picturesque downtown filled with little shops and cafes…if you ever get a chance you have to stop by for a visit. I’m lucky enough to live just a few miles away!
Prescott Park was donated to the city by two sisters who had bought the waterfront property back in the 1930s. It’s filled with bed after bed of All-American Selections plants. For local residents, it’s a great place to figure out what plants will thrive in our Zone 6 coastal climate.
I think there are over 500 plant varieties in these gardens!
One of my favorite things about Prescott Park is that there are views of the waterfront everywhere you look. It’s on the Piscataqua River and sometimes you can smell the salt air drifting up from the ocean.
The coneflower beds are stunning! It’s a sea of blooms and brilliant colors.
Be Sure ToVisit My Garden Archives For A Peak Into My Garden Space.
When visiting Prescott Park be sure to take the pathway along the waterfront that leads over to the formal garden and outdoor stage.
I love the giant anchor sculpture! Portsmouth was a major port back in the day and there’s still a large naval yard in the area (it’s called the Portsmouth Naval Yard but is technically on the Kittery, Maine side of the river.
Formal Garden
The formal garden is surrounded by a beautiful white wooden fence. You are welcomed by the most unique-looking trees when you walk through the gate!
The formal garden at Prescott Park is a serene zen-like space. You could sit on the bench and listen to the fountains and daydream all day…
…although when I was there there were a couple of kids almost falling in the fountains and screaming…not so zen!!
The brick walkways are lined with deep beds of a mix of summer-blooming perennials and bright annuals.
Prescott Park also has a large stage where they have live music and outdoor theater and movies.
If you ever have the chance to stop by be sure to check out the Strawberry Banke Museum which is right across the street for a peak into life in Portsmouth starting back in 1695.
Then stroll downtown and enjoy lunch at one of the little outdoor spots.
I always feel so lucky to live in such a pretty area of the country! There’s always something fun & interesting to do right in your own backyard!
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