Shade doesn’t have to be a limitation—it can be an opportunity to create one of the most beautiful, tranquil, and inviting spaces in your garden. In this talk, we’ll explore how to design a thriving garden even when sunlight is scarce. We’ll begin by discussing what causes shade in the landscape and how to accurately measure the amount of sun and shade your garden receives throughout the day. From there, we’ll look at how soil type and environment play key roles in planting success. Finally, we’ll embrace the art of designing for shade—selecting plants for shade, structures, and layouts that highlight texture, contrast, and form to bring new life and character to your garden.
Speaker: Becca Flato
Becca Flato is a Design Director and the owner of Flato Landscapes, where she offers design consultation and landscaping services throughout the Bay Area. Her work centers on creating habitat-rich landscapes that support local ecosystems—gardens that buzz, flutter, and hum.
A certified UC Master Naturalist and UC Master Gardener volunteer, Rebecca blends ecological knowledge with thoughtful design to craft spaces that are both beautiful and biologically vibrant. She is also currently restoring a six-acre property in Mendocino, transforming it into a thriving haven for native plants and wildlife.
