Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Bay Area Garden Destination Since 1958
Sloat Garden Center has been a premier garden destination in Northern California since 1958. Founded in San Francisco's Sunset district, we have grown to operate 13 full-service locations across the Bay Area, offering fresh plants, premium soils, and the West Coast's largest pottery collection. Our family-owned business combines six decades of horticultural expertise with a commitment to environmental stewardship, providing expert garden design services and educational resources to support both novice and experienced gardeners.We prioritize sustainable practices, including integrated pest management and partnerships with local growers, while maintaining a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all products. Our team of certified professionals delivers personalized solutions for residential and commercial landscaping needs, supported by community-focused initiatives like our Growing Up Green fundraiser program.
Services
Garden Design
Gift Cards
Gardener's Rewards
Plant Sales
Pottery Collection
Soil Blends
Gardening Workshops
Planting Parties
Community Programs
Online Guides
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for 60+ years with 13 Bay Area locations
- Offering expert garden design services for residential properties
- Maintain partnerships with 12+ local Northern California growers
- Provide 100% satisfaction guarantee on all purchases
- Operate eco-conscious gardening programs since the 1980s
Services
Garden Design Consultations
Our certified designers provide on-site and virtual consultations for Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma, and East Bay residents. We create customized planting plans with soil requirements and care instructions, offering dynamic design options that include plant selection and placement. Our professionals bring decades of experience working with Bay Area micro-climates to ensure garden success.
Gardener's Reward Program
This free membership program offers points-based rewards, exclusive event invitations, and free access to gardening webinars. Members receive the Gardeners Notebook newsletter with seasonal advice and special promotions. The program combines digital benefits with in-store advantages to support both casual gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts.
Growing Up Green Program
Our community initiative helps schools earn 10% back on purchases made during designated periods. Participating institutions receive gift cards redeemable for gardening supplies, with bonus rewards for top fundraising schools. The program supports educational gardening projects while promoting environmental awareness through six annual fundraising sessions across Northern California.
Pottery & Soil Selection
We offer the West Coast's largest pottery collection and premium soil blends for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Our inventory includes locally sourced and imported containers, specialized growing mediums, and decorative elements to complement any garden style. The family-owned business maintains direct relationships with global artisans to ensure quality and design diversity.
Gardening Education
Through webinars, video tutorials, and printed guides, we provide comprehensive gardening education. Topics range from basic container planting to advanced pest management and micro-climate adaptation. Our resources cater to all skill levels, featuring expert-led sessions on seasonal planting, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices.
People
Dave Straus
Owner
Began working at Sloat in 1962 as a teenager, gradually taking ownership while building international pottery connections. Now leads the business with his son Zack, maintaining family stewardship for over 60 years.
Zack Straus
Pottery Director
Joined the business at age 8, now oversees pottery sourcing across all locations. Maintains relationships with global artisans while focusing on current design trends and sustainable production practices developed over decades of family involvement.
Jen Strobel
Design Manager
Leads the garden design department, creating customized solutions for Bay Area properties. Hosts educational webinars and contributes to local gardening publications while managing both on-site and virtual consultation services.
Questions
What gardening services do you offer?
We provide garden design consultations, planting guides, and educational workshops to help with all gardening projects.
Are gift cards available for purchase?
Yes, we offer physical gift cards redeemable at all Bay Area locations for plants, pottery, and gardening supplies.
Do you have programs for local schools?
Our Growing Up Green initiative helps schools earn funds through designated shopping periods with 10% donations.
How can I join the loyalty program?
Sign up at any location for our free Gardener's Reward Program with points, webinars, and exclusive events.
What environmental practices do you follow?
We promote integrated pest management, eliminate harmful chemicals, and partner with sustainable local growers since the 1980s.
Do you offer gardening classes?
Yes, we host webinars and workshops on topics like container planting, seasonal gardening, and soil health.
Videos
