Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Waterwise Garden Design Solutions
Waterwise Gardener, founded by Nan Sterman, is a leader in sustainable landscape design and horticultural education. With a background in botany and decades of experience in sustainability, we specialize in creating water-efficient gardens tailored to Southern California's climate. Our services combine scientific expertise with artistic vision, offering personalized garden design, international garden tours, and educational programs like GardenWise School.We prioritize client collaboration, using site-specific analysis to craft low-maintenance, ecologically responsible gardens. Our team's deep understanding of regional flora and irrigation systems ensures long-term garden success. Recognized for excellence in publications and media, we serve homeowners, professionals, and institutions seeking innovative horticultural solutions.
Services
Garden Design
Speaking Engagements
Consulting Services
Garden School
Seed Starting Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in sustainable gardening and landscape design
- Our team provides personalized garden design consultations tailored to regional climates
- We combine botanical science with creative design for unique outdoor solutions
- Our educational programs include monthly garden guides and live instructional classes
- We maintain partnerships with leading horticultural institutions and professionals
What people say
Gorgeous and sustainable garden
Highly recommend joining the school
Results exceeded our expectations
Extremely informative live classes
Brilliant step-by-step instruction
Services
Garden Design
Our garden design service creates custom, water-efficient landscapes tailored to Southern California's climate. We combine botanical expertise with artistic vision to develop functional, low-maintenance gardens that reflect client preferences while ensuring ecological sustainability. Services include site analysis, plant selection, and installation oversight for residential and institutional clients.
Garden School
The GardenWise School offers monthly gardening guides and live instructional classes for all skill levels. Our curriculum covers waterwise techniques, seasonal maintenance, and sustainable practices through interactive sessions and practical resources to enhance gardening proficiency year-round.
Speaking Engagements
We provide engaging presentations and hands-on workshops on topics ranging from drought-tolerant plants to edible gardening. These sessions combine storytelling with practical demonstrations, catering to home gardeners, professional organizations, and horticultural societies seeking expert knowledge.
Consulting Services
Our consulting service offers expert guidance for special projects including public garden development, educational program creation, and landscape evaluations. We work with municipalities, botanical institutions, and private clients to implement sustainable solutions and best horticultural practices.
Seed Starting Workshops
These workshops teach systematic seed-starting techniques through structured, step-by-step instruction. Participants learn proper planting methods, seedling care, and transplanting strategies to establish productive vegetable gardens using water-efficient practices.
People
Nan Sterman
Owner & Lead Designer
Nan Sterman is a renowned horticulturist with decades of experience in sustainable gardening. A former botany student and award-winning garden writer, she combines scientific expertise with creative design to develop water-efficient landscapes. Her work includes international garden tours, educational programs, and consulting for major horticultural institutions.
Questions
What is waterwise gardening?
Waterwise gardening uses drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation to create sustainable landscapes suited to Southern California's climate while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Do you offer garden design consultations?
Yes, we provide personalized garden design consultations that include site analysis, client preference discussions, and customized landscape planning tailored to regional growing conditions.
Are gardening classes available for beginners?
Our GardenWise School offers classes for all skill levels, including foundational courses on seed starting, seasonal maintenance, and water-efficient gardening techniques.
Do you work with commercial clients?
Yes, we collaborate with municipalities, botanical gardens, and institutions on projects ranging from public garden development to educational program creation and landscape evaluations.
What garden tour opportunities exist?
We organize international garden tours that provide behind-the-scenes access to unique gardens worldwide, focusing on educational experiences and horticultural discovery beyond typical garden tours.
