By Johanna Silver, Sunset test garden coordinator

We got a sneak peek of display gardens at the San Mateo Event Center which hosts the 25th Annual SF Flower & Garden Show tomorrow through Sunday.

It's always incredible to see the work the hard work that is poured into the gardens, and this year is no exception. The theme this year is, "Gardens for the Future."

Here's a glimpse of what you'll see:

The Living Room

 These designers decided to "think 'around' the box."

Succulent panels line the walls, and inside you'll find a formal dining room.

Salvaged Creole Jazz Courtyard

This garden left us dreaming that New Orleans was one of our regions...

Pulling up Daisies

We loved the concept behind this piece of actually peeling back the layers of destructive landscaping to reveal a lush new pallet of native plant possibilities.

And the winner is: The Papillon Pad

Sunset's criteria for the Western Living Award is that it be a garden filled with fresh, useful, and achievable ideas that enhance outdoor living in the West.

We found plenty of inspiration in the Papillon Pad.

We loved that plants were places together according to their water needs and included plenty of drought tolerant natives and pollinators. There was a bed of edibles, smartly planted close to the dining table. 

There were playful artistic touches and simple yet striking uses of permeable landscape.

We especially loved the planting reservoir created in between the rock walls. 

My pictures do NOT do the show justice. So be sure to check it out for yourself!