Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Waterwise Garden Design
Waterwise Gardener has been dedicated to sustainable gardening solutions since its founding. Our expertise lies in creating regionally appropriate, low-maintenance gardens that thrive in arid climates. With decades of combined experience in horticulture and environmental education, we specialize in transforming outdoor spaces into functional, water-efficient landscapes. Our team holds advanced degrees in botany and education, ensuring science-backed approaches to garden design.We maintain industry certifications in sustainable practices and have collaborated with major botanical institutions. Our commitment to client satisfaction is demonstrated through personalized design consultations, ongoing maintenance support, and educational programming that empowers gardeners at all skill levels.
Services
Garden Design
Garden School
Speaking Engagements
Seed Starting Workshops
International Garden Tours
Horticultural Consulting
Landscape Installation
Monthly Maintenance
Educational Materials
Public Garden Design
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in waterwise gardening and sustainable landscape design
- Our designs integrate regional climate considerations with architectural harmony
- We provide ongoing educational resources through Garden School and workshops
- Our team includes certified horticultural professionals with advanced botanical training
- We maintain partnerships with major botanical institutions for continued research access
What people say
Gorgeous and sustainable garden
Best thing for gardening game
Results exceeded expectations
Brilliant step-by-step plan
Welcoming entrance transformation
Services
Garden Design
Custom waterwise garden designs tailored to regional climate and home architecture. Our process includes site analysis, plant selection, and installation oversight. We create sustainable landscapes that reduce water consumption while maintaining aesthetic appeal through science-based horticultural practices.
Garden School
Monthly educational programs covering waterwise gardening techniques, seasonal maintenance, and sustainable practices. Features live classes, instructional videos, and hands-on workshops for gardeners of all skill levels. Curriculum developed by certified horticultural professionals with botanical expertise.
Seed Starting Workshops
Hands-on workshops teaching seed germination, plant propagation, and container gardening techniques. Focuses on water-efficient plant varieties suitable for Southern California climates. Includes step-by-step guidance from experienced instructors with botanical backgrounds.
International Garden Tours
Educational garden tours to international destinations featuring behind-the-scenes access to notable botanical collections. Combines travel with horticultural learning experiences led by expert guides with extensive botanical knowledge.
Horticultural Consulting
Expert consultation for public and private garden projects including plant selection, irrigation planning, and sustainable maintenance practices. Services available for both residential and institutional clients seeking science-based horticultural solutions.
People
Nan Sterman
Owner/Lead Designer
Botanist and horticultural expert with 30+ years experience in waterwise gardening. Former garden editor for San Diego Home Garden Lifestyle Magazine. Developed educational programs combining botanical science with practical gardening applications. Holds graduate degrees in botany and education.
Questions
What garden design services do you offer?
We provide full-service garden design including site analysis, custom plans, plant selection, and installation oversight for water-efficient landscapes.
Do you serve areas outside San Diego?
While based in Encinitas, we serve all Southern California regions and offer consulting services for projects nationwide.
What educational programs are available?
Our Garden School offers monthly checklists, live classes, and workshops covering seed starting, maintenance, and waterwise techniques.
How does the consultation process work?
Initial consultations include site assessment, design discussion, and budget planning with follow-up revisions included in our design packages.
What makes your garden designs unique?
We combine botanical science with artistic design to create regionally appropriate gardens that balance aesthetics with water conservation.
