The Vision Behind the Revitalized Botanical Building and Gardens: A Conversation with Nan Sterman

As the revitalization of the Botanical Building and Gardens at Balboa Park continues to unfold, one voice stands out in the story: Nan Sterman, a passionate horticulturist and landscape designer. Nan has played an instrumental role in the transformation of the space, bringing both expertise and a deep love for the park’s rich history to the project. In this blog, we dive into her thoughts on the garden’s past, present, and future, as well as the personal pride she takes in being part of this transformative effort.

A Garden with a Legacy

When the Botanical Building was closed off to the public, the garden inside was an overgrown jungle—lush, mature, and filled with towering plants. Many who frequented the space adored the feeling of stepping into this wild, untamed sanctuary. However, Nan knew that creating a new garden meant starting from scratch, with small plants that would take time to grow into the magnificent landscape people remembered.

“It’s hard for people to understand that the garden has to start small,” Nan shared. “The plants may grow to be 50 or 60 feet tall, but they start small. So, we’ve been preparing the public for the transition, setting expectations about the garden’s evolution.”

She emphasizes that gardens are not static—they change over time. This is the beauty of the Botanical Building’s revitalization: it’s an evolving space that will only grow more beautiful and inspiring as the years go by.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Nan envisions a future where visitors return to the garden year after year, watching it grow and change. She hopes that people will reflect on the garden’s early stages and marvel at how much it has developed. “I hope people will say, ‘I remember when this garden was first planted, and look how big and beautiful it is now.’”

Beyond aesthetics, Nan also hopes that the garden will inspire others to create similar sustainable and drought-tolerant landscapes in their own homes. “I used a lot of plants that don’t need much water, and they will do really well in local gardens. Maybe I can influence how people approach gardening in San Diego.”

The Importance of History

Nan’s vision for the garden extends far beyond the present moment. She designed the space with a long-term perspective, keeping in mind that this garden is meant to be the foundation of a legacy that will continue for generations. “Gardens are constantly changing, and I’m not under any illusion that it will be the same garden 100 years from now,” Nan explains. “But what I wanted to create was the foundation of what the garden could be 50 or 100 years from now.”

This commitment to creating something lasting and meaningful speaks to the deep historical significance of the Botanical Building and Gardens. As part of Balboa Park, this revitalization is a tribute to San Diego’s past, present, and future. “This is regrowing a legacy for San Diego and for Balboa Park,” Nan says. “Come be part of it. Come learn about the plants, come enjoy the space.”

Memorable Moments and Pride

As with any major project, there have been many memorable moments throughout the revitalization process. One of Nan’s most cherished memories occurred when the restoration of the façade was completed. “The entry arches made sense for the first time,” she recalls. “Before, they looked like they were just glued onto the building, but once the arches were restored, they became part of the entire facade. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

She also takes great pride in being part of the team that brought the project to life. For Nan, this was the first time working on a municipal project that involved multiple agencies, and while it came with challenges, the final result is something she feels incredibly proud of.

A Woman in a Male-Dominated Field

Throughout the installation process, Nan was often the only woman on site. As a woman working in horticulture and landscape design, she’s no stranger to being in male-dominated spaces. But the experience of being the sole woman among a team of men in hard hats and steel-toed boots was still a empowering moment in her career.

A Call to Action

As the garden continues to take shape, Nan encourages everyone to visit and support the revitalized Botanical Building and Gardens. “Come be part of history,” she says. “This is like starting again, just like it was in 1913 or 1914, before the building opened to the public for the Exposition. It’s about regrowing a legacy for San Diego and Balboa Park.”

She hopes visitors will come to learn about the plants, enjoy the space, and be inspired to create more sustainable gardens in their own communities.

Looking Forward

Nan’s passion for the garden and its future is contagious, and her dedication to the project is evident in every word she speaks. As the Botanical Building and Gardens continue to evolve, it’s clear that this space will remain an important part of Balboa Park’s legacy, growing and thriving for generations to come.

So, whether you’re a long-time visitor or someone experiencing the space for the first time, Nan invites you to join in the journey. Come, be part of the garden’s history, and witness its transformation into something truly extraordinary.