Successful Gardening in Limited Sunlight

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 moisture play key roles in planting success. Finally, we’ll embrace the art of designing for shade—selecting plants, structures and layouts that highlight texture, contrast and form to bring new life and character to your garden.

UC Master Gardener Presenter Rebecca Flato: Rebecca is a San Francisco-based design director with a focus on native plant design, restoration and ecological landscape rehabilitation. Passionate about fostering harmonious coexistence between people and the environment, Rebecca specializes in creating planting systems that highlight the ecological value and beauty of native plants. She believes that native plants are far from mere "weeds" or afterthoughts; when placed thoughtfully, they reveal the inherent brilliance and resilience of California’s natural landscapes. Through her design expertise, Rebecca brings these landscapes to life, showcasing how native plants can transform and enrich our surroundings. She became a UC Master Gardener in 2024.

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