Early bird pricing! $395 until July 7th. Enrollment starts June 23rd.
For us, gardening isn't just a hobby. It's a lifestyle.
Our flagship program is for people who love to get their hands in the dirt and are deeply curious about what makes our soils and our climate such a unique place to garden.
"I feel I have gotten my money's worth and more!" - Karen W.
You've put in the work, but you want to go deeper.
This course is for gardeners who already have their hands in the soil and want a better understanding what's actually happening there and why.
You love your garden, but you're still guessing
You've invested a lot in your garden. But problems resurface and you're not sure why. This course replaces guesswork with an understanding of the reasoning behind what works here—and what doesn't.
Your garden has changed and you're catching up
Climate change is real and it shows up in your garden. We have longer dry spells, off-season weather, and our plants behave differently. You need new frameworks and a fresh approach.
You're ready for one authoritative source
You've pieced together information from books, YouTube, and trial and error. Now, you want the complete picture from someone who knows this climate inside out.
Set yourself up for a full year of growth in the garden. Download my Garden Readiness Guide for exploratory exercises and essential resources to level up your gardening skills.
As seen in...
The why behind your garden.
Why gardening in Southern California is different than anywhere else.
How to troubleshoot problems in the garden even if you're encountering them for the first time.
Managing water, without sacraficing your garden.
Evaluating plants for your garden and setting them up to thrive.
How to stop repeating the same mistakes and start making confident choices.
"The content was so comprehensive... It couldn't be more valuable!" - Karina S.
Comprehensive lessons. Deep learnings.
Live monthly lessons
Join Nan and fellow students on Zoom for a live lesson on a different topic each month.
GardenWise+
Get all 5 editions of GardenWise, Nan's monthly guide to caring for edibles, ornamentals, and houseplants, plus recommended plants for your SoCal garden.
Online community
Join a lively online community of other garden learners. Ask questions, share successes, and get answers between class sessions.
Bonus content
Get monthly how-to videos, gardening guides, and other bonus resources to bring your learnings to life.
"The excursions I’ve been on have been exceptional. Beyond meeting expectations!" - Wanda O.
Nan Sterman
Horticulturist, designer, author & PBS host
Nan has spent her career building a depth of knowledge about Southern California horticulture that simply doesn't exist anywhere else. She has designed hundreds of gardens across the region, taught more than a thousand students, and brought that knowledge to public television through A Growing Passion.
What graduates say
"This course is the best thing that has happened to my gardening game. The live classes are extremely informative. There is always something new to learn even if you are a seasoned gardener. You won't regret it."Annette G.
"Nan's depth of knowledge and ability to make it understandable has allowed me to grow and feel much more confident in my own garden."Denise H.
"Every time we have Garden School, I get reinvigorated to take care of my garden. Nan covers everything from botany to irrigation to design. Before you know it, you've learned so many new things."Erela R.
FAQ
How does the course work?
Live classes on Zoom, first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM Pacific. Office hours on the third Tuesday. All sessions recorded and shared within a week. All other content shared throughout the month.
What if I can't attend live?
Every session is recorded and available to watch (or rewatch) at any point through August 31, 2027.
How much experience do I need?
This course is designed for gardeners with some hands-on experience who are ready to understand their practice at a deeper level. You don't need a background in botany, just genuine engagement with your garden.
What region is this for?
Southern California's dry Mediterranean climate: Santa Barbara to San Diego, east to Riverside County (excluding the deserts).
What comes after this course?
Graduates are eligible for Nan's next-level program, Mastering Southern California Gardening.
What's the refund policy?
Full refund within 30 days of purchase. Contact us at any time.
