Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in the Bay Area
Sloat Garden Center has been a locally owned Bay Area gardening destination since 1958. Founded in San Francisco's Sunset district, we've grown to 13 full-service locations while maintaining our family-owned roots. Our team of horticultural experts provides premium plants, soils, and pottery alongside specialized services like garden design consultations and pollinator-friendly plant selections. We pioneered eco-conscious practices through Integrated Pest Management and continue advocating for sustainable gardening solutions.With over 60 years of combined family leadership and a network of local growers, we guarantee 100% satisfaction on every purchase while supporting community initiatives through programs like Growing Up Green.
Services
Plants
Pottery
Garden Design
Soil & Tools
Gardening Advice
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- Family-owned operation with 60+ years of Bay Area gardening expertise
- Eco-conscious practices developed through 30+ years of Integrated Pest Management leadership
- Exclusive partnerships with 20+ local Northern California growers and nurseries
- Certified organic gardening specialists with dedicated pollinator-friendly plant programs
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all plant and product purchases
Services
Garden Design Consultations
Our certified garden designers offer on-site and virtual consultations for Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma, and East Bay residents. We provide customized planting plans, plant selection guidance, and microclimate-specific recommendations. Our process includes initial assessment, plant selection at our nursery, and personalized planting diagrams with care instructions.
Growing Up Green Program
This community initiative helps schools earn 10-20% back on customer purchases through designated shopping periods. Schools receive Sloat gift cards for gardening supplies and classroom materials. The program requires minimum $100 in purchases per session with promotional support provided to participating institutions.
Organic Gardening Solutions
We specialize in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and non-toxic gardening solutions. Our certified organic vegetable and flower selections meet strict environmental standards. Staff receive ongoing training in sustainable practices and maintain partnerships with local growers who follow eco-friendly cultivation methods.
Pottery & Garden Decor
We offer the West Coast's largest pottery collection featuring handcrafted pieces from global artisans. Our selection includes decorative planters, garden accents, and functional outdoor decor items. The family-owned business maintains direct relationships with pottery makers in Asia and South America for exclusive designs.
Gardener's Reward Program
This free membership program provides points toward purchase discounts, exclusive event invitations, and free webinar access. Members receive the Gardeners Notebook newsletter with seasonal gardening advice and special promotions through mail or email communications.
People
Dave Straus
Owner
Dave Straus began working at Sloat Garden Center at age 14 and became owner in 1973. With over 50 years of experience, he established the company's environmental focus and expanded to multiple locations while maintaining family ownership.
Zack Straus
Pottery Sourcing Director
Zack Straus joined the family business after college and now oversees pottery sourcing across all locations. He maintains global artisan relationships established by his father and focuses on current design trends for Bay Area gardens.
Jen Strobel
Design Department Manager
Jen Strobel leads the garden design team with expertise in Bay Area microclimates. She specializes in pollinator gardens and container design, creating educational content featured in Diablo Magazine and local gardening webinars.
Ted Warshauer
VP and Part Owner
Ted Warshauer joined Sloat Garden Center in 1985 as VP and part owner. He contributes to strategic growth initiatives while maintaining the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Dave Geller
Founder
Dave Geller established the original Sunset District nursery in 1958. As founder, he laid the foundation for the family-owned business by transforming a former gas station into a thriving garden center that became the company's flagship location.
Questions
What locations does Sloat Garden Center serve?
We operate 13 locations across four Bay Area counties: San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, and Contra Costa.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Our expert staff provides free gardening advice in-store and through scheduled garden design consultations for specific projects.
Can I purchase gift cards online?
Physical gift cards can be ordered online for delivery by mail or purchased directly at any of our 13 locations.
Are your plants locally sourced?
We partner with over 20 Northern California growers and prioritize locally owned businesses for our plant inventory.
Do you have organic gardening products?
Yes, we offer certified organic vegetables, seeds, and flowers with dedicated staff expertise in organic gardening solutions.
How does the Growing Up Green program work?
Schools earn 10-20% back on customer purchases during designated shopping periods through our community fundraising initiative.
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