We begin in Tokyo, then make our way through the country, observing how gardens are shaped by time and place, the traditions of land and design, seasonality in motion, the stewardship of living landscapes, and more.
Nan Sterman's Garden Adventures!
Fall Colors in Japan
November 3-15, 2026
Just a few spots left!
About Nan’s Tours
Each year, I lead a tour to see interesting gardens and meet wonderful gardeners around the world.
We go behind-the-scenes and explore places that most garden tours miss, like meeting tulip breeders in Holland, visiting pepper growers in Costa Rica, and discovering an ancient quiver tree forest in in South Africa.
We visit wholesale plant growers and food farmers, hike to see native plants in their native habitats, tour botanic gardens, research labs, pleasure gardens, private gardens….Wherever there are plants, that’s where we go.
Our success is in our many repeat travelers who know every trip will be a fun, fascinating, unforgettable experience.
Past Tours
Australia
Spain
South Africa
England
What People Say
England
“Two thumbs up for Nan’s tours. We’ve enjoyed our England and Southern Spain trips with her and the garden design and plant people very much. The activities, accommodations, meals and transportation are excellent. We are signed up for another and look forward to the experience. Nan adds an element of expertise to the tours with her own extensive knowledge and research.”
Bracey and Richard Tiede
San Jose, CA
Spain
“Visiting the gardens of Southern Spain with Nan Sterman was a revelation and a pleasure. Nan combined visits to famous gardens with lesser known treasures, and interspersed visits to gardens with immersions in local culture. She augmented her own considerable knowledge by drawing on local guides, and created a lively and convivial atmosphere.”
Lesley Stern
South Africa
Kirstenbosch Garden
“Traveling with Nan is like traveling with your best friend while visiting great gardens in the company of other people that also enjoy visiting them.
Great pace and fantastic outings.
I highly recommend!”
Amelia Lima, Landscape Designer
