Presentation: Garden Design for SF Residents

San Francisco gardens come with their own set of challenges—shade from neighboring buildings, compact urban lots, and persistent wind. In this talk, we’ll explore how to create thoughtful, resilient, and inspiring garden spaces no matter the constraints.  We’ll begin by grounding ourselves in core landscape design principles—color, texture, scale, and layout—and how these can be adapted to small or shaded environments. From there, we’ll dive into plants that truly thrive in San Francisco’s microclimates, and discuss how to tailor plant selections and design strategies to meet the specific needs of shade gardens, small backyards, patios, and apartment balconies. Whether you’re working with a courtyard, a shared outdoor space, or a single sunny window, this session will give you practical, creative tools to design a garden that feels lush, intentional, and distinctly San Francisco.

Presenter: Becca Flato, a seasoned Design Director with extensive experience in fashion retail and a growing focus on landscape design. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebecca pursued her long-standing interest in gardening and landscapes. Becca has since cultivated her expertise, becoming a certified California Native Plant Landscaper and a UC Master Naturalist. Her landscape design approach integrates a deep understanding of native California ecology, blending aesthetics with sustainability. She is committed to bringing an ecology-focused perspective to landscape design, with an emphasis on restoring native habitats and promoting biodiversity.