Speaker Series: Reimagining Balboa Park’s Botanical Building with Nan Sterman

Balboa Park’s Botanical Building is one of the world’s largest lathouses—and since its construction for the 1915 Panama–California Exposition, it has served as one of the Park’s most iconic and beloved centerpieces. After more than a century of neglect, the Botanical Building recently underwent an award-winning restoration, reintroducing this historic landmark to a new generation of visitors.

Join acclaimed horticulturist, garden designer, and author Nan Sterman for an engaging presentation on the Botanical Building’s history, its restoration, and the inspiration behind the newly redesigned interior gardens. Nan will share her “otherworldly” design concept—a garden meant to feel like an escape from the pressures of daily life and a place like no other—along with her process for blending treasured legacy plants with new additions in a refreshed, innovative display.

This presentation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a landmark transformation and the design decisions that will shape the Botanical Building’s future, and also serves as a great warm-up to our May event: docent-led tours around the Botanical Building.

Nan Sterman will have copies of her books, Hot Color and Dry Garden, available for purchase and will be offering a book signing. Payments may be made by cash or credit card:

• Cash: $27.99 plus tax

• Credit Card: $29.50 plus tax

Morning beverages/snacks will be provided.

Cost: Free for Members; $20 for Non-Member Guests