An author who knows our gardens

Without opening a page, gardeners immediately see that Nan Sterman's new book is different than most. The title, simple and to the point, holds the clue: "California Gardener's Guide, Vol. II."

It's refreshing to see a book (Cool Springs Press, 271 pages, $24.95) written by a California gardener for California gardens since many gardening books are written for East Coast or English gardeners. Those plant palettes don't transfer easily to California. That's because no one knows sunny weather like a California gardener.

Sterman is a California gardener. She was raised in Los Angeles, and works as a freelance writer. She's also the host of an award-winning TV show, "A Growing Passion."

"My guiding principle is that we live in a state where water resources are limited. We have a Mediterranean climate, and there are people who come here or begin to garden here without a clear understanding of what that means or how to make a garden that will be successful in California," she said.

She wants to teach gardeners how to create a garden that is compatible with California's climate and that uses fewer resources, like water or fertilizer, to remain beautiful. Pick up the book and thumb through its pages loaded with color photographs, and you'll find an amazing array of plants that are California friendly and water wise, yet lush and beautiful enough to satisfy any gardening style or palette, from minimalist to the cottage garden look.

After a brief lesson on smart watering, drainage, hardiness zones and tips on using the book, Sterman launches into an encyclopedic listing of nearly 200 of her favorite California garden plants. She's tested hundreds of plants in her San Diego garden, and writes with the knowledge and confidence of a hands-in-the-soil gardener.

Plants are more than climate zones or seasonal color to Sterman. She knows how their roots feel in her hands. She knows what their bark looks like and how the flowers smell.

Each page features a different plant, and the listing includes when, where and how to plant, growing tips, companion plantings as well as suggestions on the best varieties available. An assortment of icons at the bottom of the listing show at a glance whether the plant attracts bees or hummingbirds or can tolerate coastal conditions, for example. But best of all, every listing starts with a story based on Sterman's experiences with the plant or perhaps a bit of history.

The only drawback is that Sterman had to write a book for all Californians, not just Central Valley gardeners or Northern California gardeners, so there are plants listed that are marginal in hot valley climates. Still, with all the talk about carbon footprints, global warming and water shortages, it's comforting to know the garden still can be just a step away.

About the writer:

• The Bee's Pat Rubin can be reached at (916) 321-1075 or prubin@sacbee.com.