Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Waterwise Garden Design & Education Services
Waterwise Gardener, founded by Nan Sterman, is a premier service dedicated to creating sustainable, regionally appropriate landscapes. With over 30 years of experience in botany, horticulture, and sustainable practices, we specialize in transforming gardens into water-efficient, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Our team combines scientific expertise with artistic vision to design gardens that thrive in Southern California's climate. We offer personalized consultations, hands-on workshops, and educational resources to empower homeowners and professionals alike. Our commitment to drip irrigation, native plants, and eco-friendly practices ensures long-term success for every project.Clients benefit from our deep understanding of local soils, seasonal patterns, and water conservation techniques. We also provide international garden tours and online courses to expand gardening knowledge globally. Our accolades include features in major publications and collaborations with institutions like the San Diego Botanic Garden. Every project reflects our motto: 'I grow gardens... and gardeners.' Trust us to create a landscape that balances beauty, sustainability, and functionality.
Services
Garden Design
Speaking Engagements
Consulting Services
Garden School
Seed Starting Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of botany and horticulture expertise
- Customized designs for Southern California's climate
- Hands-on workshops and online educational resources
- Proven success with native plant integration
- Collaborations with leading botanical institutions
What people say
Beautiful garden transformations
Expert plant knowledge
Engaging educational programs
Proven water-saving techniques
Professional reliability
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates customized, water-efficient landscapes tailored to your property and preferences. We focus on sustainable practices, native plants, and functional outdoor spaces. Clients receive detailed plans that balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
Garden School
Monthly educational programs teach waterwise gardening techniques through live classes and video resources. Students learn seasonal maintenance, plant selection, and sustainable practices for Southern California climates. The curriculum suits both novice and experienced gardeners.
Seed Starting
Hands-on workshops guide participants through starting plants from seeds using proven, step-by-step methods. Instruction covers soil preparation, germination conditions, and transplanting techniques. Designed for home gardeners seeking self-sufficiency in edible and ornamental plant cultivation.
International Tours
Curated garden tours explore unique landscapes worldwide, offering behind-the-scenes access to notable gardens. Participants gain global horticultural insights while experiencing diverse gardening cultures and climate-specific techniques. Tours include expert-led commentary and networking opportunities.
Consulting Services
Professional consulting provides expert guidance for public and private garden projects. Services include plant selection, irrigation planning, and staff training programs. We work with municipalities, botanical institutions, and private clients on large-scale landscape initiatives.
People
Nan Sterman
Owner/Lead Designer
Botanist and horticulturist with 30+ years experience in sustainable gardening. Author, educator, and former garden editor for San Diego Home & Garden Magazine. Specializes in water-efficient landscapes and native plant integration.
Questions
What waterwise gardening services do you offer?
We provide garden design, consulting, educational workshops, and online courses focused on water-efficient landscaping tailored to Southern California's climate.
Do you serve areas outside Southern California?
While our primary service area is Southern California, we offer international garden tours and online educational resources accessible globally.
What garden design process steps should I expect?
The process includes an initial consultation, budget discussion, design development with client feedback, and installation oversight to ensure design integrity.
Are your educational programs suitable for beginners?
Yes, our Garden School and workshops cater to all skill levels, from novice gardeners to experienced professionals seeking advanced techniques.
How do your garden tours work?
Curated international tours include expert-led visits to notable gardens, behind-the-scenes access, and horticultural insights tailored to serious gardening enthusiasts.
What makes your garden designs unique?
Our designs combine botanical science with artistic vision, focusing on native plants, water conservation, and sustainable practices adapted to local climate conditions.
