
California native Nan Sterman is a garden designer, author, botanist, and award-winning garden communicator who hosts the public television show A Growing Passion.
Nan is dedicated to the transformation of planted landscapes from overly thirsty and resource intensive to climate appropriate and sustainable. Her efforts combine age-old techniques with modern technologies.
Nan has worked towards this goal since the 1970s when she was involved in the first wave of the sustainability movement.
Nan parlayed her early experiences in sustainability to address modern day issues. She is author of Hot Color, Dry Garden, a book about creating color-filled, drought tolerant gardens. Past books include California Gardener's Guide vol II, the only book about low water, Mediterranean climate gardens written specifically for California home gardeners. She also co-authored the
2010 publication, Waterwise Plants for the Southwest.
Nan Sterman's articles appear in the Los Angeles Times, Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens, and other major publications.
Nan writes a monthly garden calendar for the San Diego Union Tribune and Los Angeles Times, along with a waterwise garden column for the San Diego Union Tribune. She is gardening expert for San Diego public radio's Midday Edition talk show.
Nan co-produces, co-writes, and hosts A Growing Passion, a television show explores the ways plants power the planet. A Growing Passion airs on KPBS TV, and online at www.agrowingpassion.com, www.kpbs.org and www.pbs.org
Nan speaks, teaches, and writes about low water, sustainable and edible gardening, all of which she designs for client's homes and school gardens.
She seeks out plants, methods, and technologies that ensure client gardens are as water-efficient, low maintenance, and beautiful as possible.
Nan holds a botany degree from Duke University, a Masters in biology from UC Santa Barbara, and a Masters in instructional design from San Diego State University.