Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Garden Center in the Bay Area
Sloat Garden Center is a premier garden center in Northern California, established in 1958. We offer a wide selection of fresh plants, high-quality garden tools, soils, and the West Coast's largest pottery collection. Our team of knowledgeable nursery professionals provides expert horticultural advice to help customers grow the plants they love. As a family-owned business for over 60 years, we celebrate locally owned and grown companies through our sourcing practices.Our commitment to environmental stewardship includes promoting Integrated Pest Management and eliminating unsafe chemicals. With 13 full-service locations across the Bay Area, we combine decades of experience with a passion for gardening to serve both novice and experienced gardeners.
Services
Garden Design
Gift Cards
Gardener's Reward Program
Growing Up Green
Plants
Pottery
Soils
Gardening Guides
Gardening Videos
Plant Care Services
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We have been family-owned and operating for over 60 years.
- Our team includes expert nursery professionals with decades of experience.
- We offer the West Coast's largest pottery collection and premium soils.
- We guarantee 100% satisfaction on every purchase.
- We pioneered environmentally responsible practices since the 1980s.
What people say
Expert staff knowledge
Extensive plant selection
Family-owned tradition
Educational resources
Community involvement
Services
Garden Design Consultations
Our expert designers offer on-site and virtual garden design services for Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma, and East Bay residents. We provide tailored solutions for plant selection, pest management, and garden layout. With hourly rates starting at $150, our team creates personalized planting plans and coordinates plant delivery for seamless implementation.
Gardener's Reward Program
This free membership program offers points toward discounts, exclusive event invitations, and free webinars. Members receive a complimentary Gardeners Notebook newsletter and special promotions. The program rewards repeat customers with tangible benefits while providing educational resources to enhance gardening success.
Growing Up Green Program
This community initiative donates 10% of purchases to schools and civic groups when customers mention their school at checkout. The program includes six annual fundraising sessions, promotional support for participants, and educational gardening resources. Schools can earn gift cards for gardening supplies and classroom materials.
Plant Selection
We offer a diverse selection of indoor and outdoor plants suited for various garden styles and Bay Area microclimates. Our inventory includes unique specimens, seasonal flowers, and vegetables. Expert staff provides guidance on plant care, soil requirements, and climate-appropriate gardening solutions.
Gardening Education
We provide extensive educational resources including monthly gardening guides, video tutorials, and live webinars. Topics cover organic gardening, pest management, seasonal planting, and landscape design. Our content focuses on practical advice tailored to Northern California's unique growing conditions.
People
Dave Straus
Owner
Dave Straus began working at Sloat Garden Center at age 14 in 1962. He gradually took ownership from founder Dave Geller and expanded the business from a single location to 13 stores. With decades of experience in horticulture and international pottery sourcing, he established Sloat as the Bay Area's largest independent garden center.
Zack Straus
Pottery Sourcing Director
Zack Straus joined Sloat full-time in 2016 after working in the nurseries since age 8. He oversees pottery sourcing across all locations, maintaining relationships with global artisans. His expertise in color trends and container selection helps customers find perfect garden solutions while continuing family traditions in pottery procurement.
Ted Warshauer
Vice President
Ted Warshauer joined Sloat Garden Center as VP and part owner in 1985. He has played a key role in the company's expansion and environmental initiatives. With extensive knowledge of sustainable gardening practices, he has helped shape Sloat's commitment to eco-friendly products and community engagement.
Questions
What services does Sloat Garden Center offer?
We offer garden design consultations, plant and pottery sales, soil and gardening tool retail, educational resources, and community programs like Growing Up Green.
Do you provide gardening advice?
Yes, our knowledgeable nursery professionals offer free gardening advice through in-store consultations, online resources, and live webinars on various gardening topics.
How can I participate in the Growing Up Green program?
Schools complete our application form at least two weeks before a fundraising session. Community members then mention the school name at checkout during designated periods to generate donations.
What are your garden design consultation fees?
Garden design consultations start at $150 for the initial hour, with subsequent hours billed at $150/hour. Sloat gift cards can be applied to these services.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, we offer physical gift cards available for purchase in-store or by mail. Gift cards can be used at any of our 13 Bay Area locations for plants, pottery, and gardening supplies.
Are your products environmentally friendly?
We prioritize eco-friendly products, having eliminated unsafe chemicals since the 1980s. Our Integrated Pest Management approach and partnerships with sustainable growers reflect our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Jean M.
Jan 06, 2022
Report
I took in samples of three dead-looking plant leaves and photos of each of the plants. I expected to be told to toss them, but instead I got watering advice and some guidance on shade for the very fried one. All salvageable. If you've read my other reviews you know I come mostly because my dog LOVES walking and sniffing here. She's well-behaved, so we come frequently and I usually buy something and always get great advice. What could be better? Super-knowledgable and friendly staff, incredible plants, dog-friendly.
Sheila O.
Aug 01, 2021
Report
I have shopped there a few times. I must say I will no longer step foot in this particular store! The service is awful-not sure anyone works there! Oh wait-there we're a few folks working but none to help or ask if i needed anything. One guy kept watering and another lady was putting things away and another guy was glued to the cash register! I was looking for a particular tree which i found and brought my husband back to see. It was expensive-weeping cherry tree -and i'm happy my husband came back to view with me! We had similar experience again -no help-nor anyone interested in helping
Annie G.
Jul 03, 2021
Report
Very knowledgeable staff. They are super helpful and understand the differences in Bay Area microclimates and soils, which is so important in Bay Area gardening. Great selection pots and garden accessories. This particular location has a huge variety of plants. They get busy on weekends and afternoons. Their parking lot has got limited space, but you can get help getting your order to your car if you need it. Sloan also has an excellent website that helps identify hundreds, if not thousands, of plants.
Alyona Taurus
Jun 29, 2021
Report
Here you can spend not only the whole day, but your whole life) A fabulous oasis, a part of which you can take with you)
Melissa White Sadler
Feb 11, 2021
Report
The price for 4 in. perennials went up to $7.99!!!Outrageous A fruit tree is$149.00! Outrageous, they're less than $50 everywhere else, A Meyer Lemon tree, 4 ft tall, get this $595.00 yes thats a correct price, I asked an employee. You are awful for price gouging during a pandemic. I won't step foot in your nursery again. Have been a regular for 3 decades. Done