Business Details
Expert Garden Design & Waterwise Gardening Solutions
Waterwise Gardener, founded by Nan Sterman, is a leader in sustainable gardening solutions tailored to arid climates. With decades of experience in botany, landscape design, and environmental education, we specialize in creating water-efficient gardens that thrive in Southern California's unique conditions. Our team combines scientific expertise with hands-on practicality to deliver gardens that balance beauty, functionality, and ecological responsibility. We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring each design reflects personal preferences while adhering to regional water conservation standards. From initial consultation to installation and ongoing maintenance, our process emphasizes transparency, innovation, and long-term garden health.As educators, we empower homeowners through workshops, online courses, and publications to cultivate their own waterwise landscapes. Our commitment to sustainability extends to international garden tours that inspire clients with global best practices in drought-tolerant design. With a focus on native plants and drip irrigation systems, we help clients reduce water usage without compromising aesthetic appeal. Our reputation for excellence is built on client testimonials praising our attention to detail, expertise, and transformative results. Waterwise Gardener remains dedicated to advancing environmentally conscious gardening practices through continuous research and community engagement.
Services
Garden Design
Speaking Engagements
Garden Consulting
Seed Starting Workshops
Online Courses
International Garden Tours
Landscape Installation
Monthly Garden Guides
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in water-efficient gardening and landscape design.
- Our designs integrate native plants and drip irrigation systems for optimal sustainability.
- We provide personalized garden consultations tailored to Southern California's climate.
- Our educational programs include hands-on workshops and online courses for all skill levels.
- We offer international garden tours showcasing innovative drought-tolerant designs.
What people say
Expertise in water-efficient gardening
Personalized garden consultations
Transformative design results
Informative workshops
Knowledgeable team
Services
Garden Design
Custom garden designs that balance aesthetics with water conservation. Our process includes site analysis, plant selection, and irrigation planning tailored to Southern California's climate. We create functional outdoor spaces using drought-tolerant plants and efficient drip irrigation systems while maintaining visual appeal and ecological benefits.
Garden School
Online courses and monthly guides teaching water-efficient gardening techniques. Programs cover seasonal tasks, plant care, and sustainable practices for Southern California gardeners. Our curriculum combines scientific knowledge with practical application through video lessons and interactive resources.
Seed Starting Workshops
Hands-on workshops teaching seed propagation techniques for vegetable and ornamental plants. Participants learn soil preparation, planting schedules, and transplanting methods specifically adapted to arid climates. Each session provides practical skills for establishing productive gardens with minimal water usage.
Speaking Engagements
Educational talks and demonstrations on waterwise gardening for garden clubs, horticultural societies, and professional organizations. Topics include drought-tolerant plant selection, irrigation efficiency, and sustainable landscape practices tailored to regional audiences.
International Garden Tours
Curated garden tours exploring innovative water-efficient designs worldwide. These trips provide inspiration through visits to botanical gardens, private landscapes, and conservation projects that demonstrate successful drought-tolerant gardening practices in diverse climates.
People
Nan Sterman
Owner & Lead Designer
Nan Sterman is a renowned waterwise gardening expert with 30+ years of experience in botany, landscape design, and environmental education. A former garden editor for San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyle Magazine, she has authored multiple books on sustainable gardening and hosts international garden tours showcasing innovative drought-tolerant designs.
Questions
What garden services do you specialize in?
We specialize in waterwise garden design, landscape consulting, seed starting workshops, and online gardening courses tailored to Southern California's climate.
Do you serve areas outside Southern California?
While our primary focus is Southern California, we offer virtual consultations and educational resources for gardeners in similar arid climates nationwide.
What educational resources do you offer?
We provide online courses, monthly garden guides, video tutorials, and hands-on workshops covering water-efficient gardening techniques.
Can you help with lawn removal projects?
Yes, we offer lawn removal consultations and design services for converting traditional lawns to water-efficient landscapes.
