Nantucket Landscape with The Garden Group

When we first visited the CC Nantucket Beach House the thing that attracted us most was the beautiful property.  Set back off the road on 1.25 acres, this private retreat was so beautifully landscaped and full of the island's iconic hydrangeas - my favorite flowers.  

Finding the right partners to help maintain the property and improve it (yes, we have some landscape projects we're working on too!) was an important task.  No one came more frequently or highly recommended than Greyson Keller, the founder of Garden Group.  As a island native, Greyson is a wealth of knowledge of all things related to landscape and hardscape design and specifically how it relates to Nantucket and it's unique climate. 

From how to replicate the Nantucket garden look in your own yard to growing the most gorgeous hydrangea, Greyson shares all his trade secrets.

Enjoy!

xx Meg

CC: Tell us about your background and what inspired you to start landscaping and The Garden Group?

GK: I've always been drawn to the intersection of nature, beauty, and function—landscape design is where those elements come together in perfect harmony. Growing up surrounded by the coastal New England landscape, I developed an appreciation for the way plants shape a place, how they interact with the elements, and how thoughtful design can create something both practical and poetic.

As a landscape designer on Nantucket, my work has always centered around creating spaces that feel effortless yet intentional, where the built environment and the natural world blend seamlessly. The Garden Group grew out of a desire to bring that philosophy to more people, helping homeowners craft gardens that are not only stunning but also resilient, ecological, and deeply connected to the island’s unique character.

CC: Nantucket’s unique conditions can present certain challenges for gardeners. What should people keep in mind when landscaping on the island, particularly regarding deer or other island-specific factors?

GK: Nantucket's beauty comes with its fair share of challenges for gardeners. The sandy, well-draining soil, salt-laden winds, and coastal exposure mean that plant choices must be both hardy and adaptive. On top of that, deer pressure is a very real concern. These island grazers have a taste for many classic garden plants, so incorporating deer-resistant species is key.

I always recommend focusing on plants with strong scents (like lavender, Russian sage, and bayberry), tougher textures (such as boxwood and holly), and native selections that have evolved alongside our local wildlife. Strategic fencing and layering plants with varied heights and densities can also help mitigate deer damage.

CC: Nantucket is known for having some of the world’s most iconic hydrangeas. What makes them so special here, and do you have any tips or tricks for recreating their beauty in our readers’ own gardens?

GK: There’s nothing quite like the sight of a Nantucket home framed by lush, blue-mopped hydrangeas—it’s pure magic. The secret to their brilliance? It comes down to our acidic soil, cool maritime climate, and high humidity, which together create the ideal conditions for Hydrangea macrophylla to flourish in their signature blue hues.

If you want to replicate that classic Nantucket hydrangea look, focus on soil pH. Adding aluminum sulfate helps maintain the iconic blue tones, while a more alkaline soil will result in pink blooms. Consistent moisture is crucial, but be careful—these plants hate wet feet, so good drainage is key. A little afternoon shade can help keep the flowers from scorching in the summer heat, making them last longer into the season.

CC: What other plants and florals thrive on Nantucket? Are there any that are especially popular or have become staples on the island?

GK: Beyond hydrangeas, Nantucket gardens embrace a balance of rugged natives and timeless beauty. While Rosa rugosa once defined the island’s dunes, deer have made it less reliable. In its place, bayberry and summersweet hold their own, offering structure and seasonal interest; while sweetfern weaves in a soft fragrance and thrives effortlessly in sandy soils.

For movement, ornamental grasses like switchgrass and little bluestem catch the wind, adding texture without effort. Those chasing that Sconset charm will love the way clematis and New Dawn roses romantically drape over trellises and arbors, their blooms softening the edges of a garden.

Through the seasons, certain perennials never fail to shine. In spring, Baptisia australis unfurls deep blue flowers, standing strong through wind and drought. Echinacea carries the warmth of summer, its bold blooms drawing in pollinators, while Amsonia quietly transitions from delicate blue flowers to feathery foliage, turning golden in fall. Together, they create a garden that feels natural, resilient, and deeply tied to the landscape.

And then, there’s Viburnum—a quiet workhorse that never demands attention but always earns it. Whether it’s Arrowwood or a doublefile, their spring flowers, rich fall color, and clusters of berries blend effortlessly into the surroundings, offering beauty without asking for much in return.

CC: Are there any plants that simply won’t grow on Nantucket due to its specific climate or conditions?

GK: Tropical plants that need constant heat, deep moisture, or heavy, rich soils struggle here. Rhododendrons, while popular on the mainland, often suffer from winter desiccation due to our harsh winds. Large-leaved magnolias and certain Japanese maples also find it difficult to withstand the salt spray and rapid weather shifts.

Additionally, plants that require heavy clay soils (like peonies and some varieties of boxwood) can be hit-or-miss unless you amend the soil heavily. And while some fruit trees do well, others—like sweet cherries and peaches—often struggle due to our long, damp springs, which can encourage fungal diseases.

CC: For those who love the Nantucket aesthetic and want to bring a bit of it home in their own gardens, what recommendations do you have for them?

GK: The Nantucket aesthetic is all about understated elegance—nothing too rigid or overly manicured. It’s that relaxed, seaside charm that feels as though the landscape has always been there. To capture the essence of a Nantucket garden, soft, natural forms should take center stage. Loose hedging, gentle drifts of perennials, and layered textures create a relaxed yet elegant feel. A classic coastal palette of blues, whites, and soft greens keeps the landscape fresh and airy—hydrangeas, roses, and ornamental grasses all play beautifully together. Materials matter too; weathered elements like aged cedar, pea gravel paths, and stone walls help ground the garden with a sense of place. And for that perfect balance of structure and ease, blending formal and informal elements works wonders—a neatly clipped privet hedge paired with a billowy meadow of native grasses offers both definition and movement, capturing the effortless charm of coastal living.I always love a little theatre in the garden—a moment of surprise that makes a space feel truly special. It could be a well-placed statue, a gentle water feature, or even something unexpected, like a motion-sensor music box that plays as a guest steps into a garden room. These small touches create a sense of magic, drawing people in and making the landscape feel alive in a way that’s both playful and unforgettable.

CC: For local islanders looking for expert help with their own gardens, how can they reach you and learn more about your services?

GK: I love working with homeowners to bring their gardens to life, whether they need full-scale landscape design, planting consultations, or a refresh of an existing space. You can reach out through The Garden Group at office@gardengroupnantucket.com or follow along on Instagram @gardengroupinc, where we share tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at our projects. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a little guidance, I’d love to help create a landscape that feels truly at home here on Nantucket.

CC: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our audience?

GK: Gardening on Nantucket is all about embracing the elements rather than fighting them. The best landscapes here are the ones that feel connected to the island—whether it’s through native plants, a loose, organic design, or a garden that evolves beautifully over time.

And most importantly, don’t overthink it! Nature has a way of knowing what works best—lean into that, and your garden will reward you year after year.