Nan Sterman with me on the “set” of “A Growing Passion” in 2014. Let’s keep Nan’s showing growing by supporting her Kickstarter campaign.
One of my favorite ways to spend time is to pass along my love of plants and nature and educate people about their many benefits. But even though I try, I can’t do it all myself. I have a business to run after all!
There are plenty of other people who feel the same way. One of them is my fellow San Diegan Nan Sterman. Nan is no “Jane come lately” to the sustainability movement. Since the 1970s (as long as me!) Nan has used her skills as a garden designer, author, botanist, and award-winning garden communicator to help transform planted landscapes from overly thirsty and resource intensive to climate appropriate and sustainable.
One of Nan’s most exciting ventures is her television show “A Growing Passion,” which is now in its fourth season and airs in San Diego on KPBS TV. I’ve had the pleasure of being on Nan’s show on green roofs early in its run and what a great experience.
When I asked Nan about her approach to the show, this is what she told me: “As for our approach, we explore the growing world of plants. Gardening is part of it, along with farming, nurseries, native habitats, food justice, plants used in therapy, wineries and vineyards, aquaponics, green roofs, and all the other ways that plants are important in our lives.”
Nan and I share the same passion for the role plants play in our lives. “Plants are the food we eat but also the clothes we wear, the materials we build with, our fragrances, medicines, the beauty around us, they even create the air we breathe. If plants are involved, we are there!” said Nan. I completely agree.
Nan Sterman with a bag of hops grown by home hop grower and home brewer Sean Gardinier. Photo Courtesy Nan Sterman
Seeds for Season 5 of “A Growing Passion”
Nan is now planning Season 5 of the show. Some of the topics she plans to cover include:
The Story of Seeds – Ever wondered where vegetable seeds come from? Nan discovers how seeds are bred and trailed, visit a seed farm, following the seed distribution chain, and learn about how seeds come to market. Nan will also answer the mystery of why homegrown tomatoes taste SO much better than the ones at the grocery store.
Native Buzz – Nan explores the world of native bees, their huge diversity, how to attract these important pollinators to your garden, along with their value to both agriculture and native habitats. BTW, we have a honey bee hive on the Good Earth Plant Company green roof and “bee houses” for native bees in several locations.
Hops – Since beer is the rage and home brewing is huge, it isn’t surprising that locally grown hops is becoming “a thing” too. Nan visits the fledgling local commercial hop growers and backyard growers too – and tastes some brew along the way. Nan, if you need a taster to join you I’ll clear my schedule.
Keep “A Growing Passion” On The Air
While KPBS provides a little bit of funding, “A Growing Passion” is completely viewer and fan funded for its production. If you’ve never produced a professional television program, I assure you it’s not cheap. Nan won’t get any of these shows produced without our support. So I’m dedicating this week’s blog post to my fellow plant enthusiast and educator and asking you to help pitch In right away.
The money needs to be in place to secure a spot on the schedule in a little over two weeks on Sunday, October 23. It’s all or nothing. It’s do-able! If everyone who reads this blog can pitch in with even $20, we can get Nan over the top. If you are willing to pay a month of Netflix or see a movie, you should be equally willing to help fund these entertaining and educational shows. We’re on board. You might even help save the planet doing it!
This is the Kickstarter campaign link. PLEASE use it now! And please share it on your social media accounts to help spread the word. As of press time, Nan was about one-third of the way toward the show’s Season 5 goal.
Nan Sterman with Krystin Leach, an organic farmer who uses traditional Korean hand agriculture methods in her small farm near San Jose. Photo: Courtesy Nan Sterman
When you visit the page, you’ll see there are some pretty great premium items for larger pledges starting at just $25 from seeds to t-shirts to succulent arrangements. For generous donations, you can join Nan for private garden tours, workshops, or even become a name sponsor of the show! Just in time for the holidays you can even get a succulent arrangement or one of Nan’s limited succulent holiday wreaths which will last all year long.
So why are you still reading this? Time for the Good Earth Plants family to show our support for quality nature education, which can have a lasting impact on our planet.
