The Sloat Garden Center is definitely the Sequoia of local nurseries. The home base, across from the zoo is about the biggest in the city, coupled with an extensive website and more links than dandelions. You gotta love little factoids like: "Dahlia is the official SF city flower." Who knew? Pansy would have been my guess. This granddaddy has been around for 41 years. Chief greenie, Dave Strauss started out as a water boy and he's built it up to 10 stores. From little acorns? Now, don't fear the chain store. We have it on excellent authority that the individual managers decide what garden path to follow. For example, the Kentfield store specializes in trees and statuary. They offer events and seminars for the zealots.

- Excerpt from SF Station review by Victoria Jane Joyce