Hummingbirds are dazzling to watch flit about the garden, but these beautiful birds are also important pollinators and insect pest eaters. Our ecosystem depends on hummingbirds, just like food crops depend on bees. Learn more about our colorful feathered friends:

• Hummingbirds will call your garden home if you encourage them with plants they love... and a feeder! Nectar-producing plants are the real draw for hummingbirds; especially flowers that are red, orange, or tubular, like foxglove, or have what is called a nectary, (a.k.a. spur) at the back, like columbine or nasturtium. Read about plants that hummingbirds love.

• Learn about Anna's Hummingbird -- a species found throughout the Bay Area from the Golden Gate Audubon Society.



• And a few tips: Placing a hummingbird feeder on your deck or balcony can attract hummingbirds even if you don't have a garden. Also, remember to clean your hummingbird feeder between fillings to prevent harmful mold and fungus from developing.

See our August task list for Bay Area gardeners! From planting to weeding to feeding, we have you covered this month. Looking to dig deeper? View our detailed Plant & Garden Care Guides or drop by any of the stores with questions.

Our conveniently located Mill Valley, E. Blithedale location is an inspiring destination to spark your garden creativity. Packed with houseplants for every space, the selection is always rotating and unique. Like all Sloat stores, the Mill Valley, E. Blithedale location has indoor pottery, soil for growing indoor plants, plant food, and expert indoor gardening advice in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Stop by and see what’s growing!

We post photos of our new arrivals just about daily year-round. From pottery to houseplants, perennials, and landscape plants, see it all on our Instagram! Have a great plant photo to share? We'd love to view all the fantastic containers, beds, and planters you've created. Tag #sloatgardens to share.

After a quick summer break, our live webinars are back! Join us this September & October for new free gardening webinars taught by our skilled professionals and local gardening experts.

• Fire Smart Landscaping (In partnership with Marin Water & Marin Master Gardeners)
• Fall is for Planting
• Preparing your Fall Veggie Garden
• Nature's Best Hope: Enhancing Local Ecosystems
• Plants in Art vs. Plants as Art
• Hydrangea Care & Pruning
• Create a Party Pot Planter
• Houseplant Care 101

Also: check out our video library to view our webinars and quick tip planting videos on a range of gardening topics.

Our multi-use straw and rattan baskets make cute drop-in planters for houseplants — plus, the larger baskets help keep laundry, toys, and gardening supplies organized. These sturdy baskets will hold everything in style! We carry the perfect containers for every planting project in so many colors, styles, and sizes. Stop in and see the selection.

Lawns need a lot of water, so consider reducing or replacing yours with water-wise ground covers, low-maintenance perennials, or a porous hardscape. If you plant a lawn, chose drought-resistant varieties such as buffalo grass. Mow less often and raise the height of your mower blade to 3” since longer grass will shade roots, lessen evaporation, and inhibit weed growth. Your city or local water agency may offer you a cash rebate for replacing lawns and installing efficient irrigation.

We love sharing our collected gardening tips. Check back each issue for new & favorite selections.

1. San Francisco is the Fuchsia Capital
2. All About Planting Fall Vegetables
3. How to Enjoy your Garden During Drought
4. The Dahlias in Golden Gate Park are in Peak Bloom through Labor Day. Take a trip to see them!

More Sloat Garden Center News

Curious if we have your favorite plant in stock? Call one of our locations directly and we'll be happy to check. Each Sloat store sources different plants and pottery...which is why you'll discover a unique selection at every Sloat location.

Sign up for our free Gardener’s Rewards Program and receive valuable member benefits like points toward “dollars off” coupons (including an automatic sign-up bonus of 200 Gardener’s Rewards points), invitations to our expert gardening webinars, and access to early promotions, plus our printed Gardener’s Notebook newsletter filled with the best local seasonal gardening advice. Visit any Sloat Garden Center location to sign up. Learn More about our Gardener's Rewards Program.

Some Sloat locations are hiring staff. See details.

Visit our Youtube Channel to view past gardening webinars and quick tip videos. We have entire playlists dedicated to learning about pruning, houseplants, growing food, and more. Watch and subscribe!



Do you have a gardening challenge we can help solve? Ask our Garden Guru.

Masks are now optional but encouraged in our stores, both indoors and out. Thank you.

Learn how you can save water with advice from our local water agencies:

Marin Water Resources

North Marin Water District Resources

East Bay MUD Resources

SFPUC Resources

Support Bay Area Food Banks:

Donate to Ritter Center

Donate to Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

Donate to San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

Thank you for choosing to garden with us. We’ll help you grow the plants you love.