---
title: "Avant Garden — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/avant-garden-pfvwus-pf~151088435
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~151088435.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Avant Garden"
category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a433ea730d1e6b1f_2310-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg
address: "100 Sycamore Avenue #10, San Anselmo, California 94960, United States"
latitude: 37.9846
longitude: -122.5711
phone: "(415) 370-2737"
website: http://avantgarden.info
rating: 5
review_count: 20
best_of_houzz_awards: 8
followers: 248
last_updated: 2026-09-07
---

# Avant Garden

Original Houzz profile: [Avant Garden](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/avant-garden-pfvwus-pf~151088435)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers
- **Location:** San Anselmo, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, Napa, San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Marin City, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Black Point-Green Point, Woodacre, Bolinas, Alto, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Nicasio, Belvedere Tiburon, East Bay, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas, Peninsula, San Quentin
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2017), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 100,000 Ideabook Saves

Galen Fultz has been designing landscapes in Northern California for 30 years and is the owner of Avant Garden, a Marin County landscape design company.  He has been cited in numerous publications and showcased in Better Homes and Gardens, California Home and Design, the Ross Garden Tour, and the HGTV Channel.  Also a teacher, he founded the Marin Gardening School in 1996, taught landscape design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and frequently gives talks at local nurseries and garden related events.

### Services Provided

- Landscape Design
- Garden Design
- Hardscaping
- Landscape Plans
- Patio Design
- Drought Tolerant Landscaping
- Site Planning
- Custom Fire Pits
- Pool Landscaping
- Custom Water Features
- Gazebo Design & Construction
- Design Consultation
- Outdoor Lighting Design
- Deck Design
- Project Management
- Organic Gardens
- Pond Construction
- Shed Design & Construction
- Edible Gardens
- Custom Bocce Ball Courts
- Living Walls
- Green Roofing
- Outdoor kitchens
- Spas

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- Napa
- San Rafael
- Novato
- Mill Valley
- Larkspur
- San Anselmo
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Sonoma
- Corte Madera
- Tiburon
- Kentfield
- Sausalito
- Lucas Valley-Marinwood
- Santa Venetia
- Marin City
- Sleepy Hollow
- Ross
- Belvedere
- Fairfax
- Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
- Black Point-Green Point
- Woodacre
- Bolinas
- Alto
- Stinson Beach
- Muir Beach
- San Geronimo
- Nicasio
- Belvedere Tiburon
- East Bay
- Forest Knolls
- Greenbrae
- Lagunitas
- Peninsula
- San Quentin

### Typical Job Cost

$5,000 - 500,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Avant Garden |
| Address | 100 Sycamore Avenue \#10, San Anselmo, California 94960, United States |
| Phone | (415) 370-2737 |
| Website | http://avantgarden.info |
| License Number | CL |
| Followers on Houzz | 248 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Avant Garden](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/avant-garden-pfvwus-pf~151088435)
- **Website:** http://avantgarden.info
- **Phone:** (415) 370-2737

## Credentials

- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2017), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Karen Bolla, Nov. 2018**

> From our first contact Galen was a delight to work with. He listened well,  amplified my ideas into a wonderfully workable design for a garden courtyard in San Francisco and oversaw the installation. Could not have been more pleased with Galen's expertise and workable manner.

**★★★★★ — mblechen, July 2018**

> We hired Avant Garden to do a large landscaping project and couldn't be happier with the way everything turned out.  It's no wonder he came so highly recommended.  His knowledge of plants and design capabilities were outstanding and he was very easy to work with and quick to respond and get the job done.  We can't wait to use him for our next project.

**★★★★★ — Jennifer Dresel, March 2018**

> It was great working with Galen of Avant Garden, and his team did a fantastic job using the Handmade Fireclay Tile. I worked with the homeowners on the design of the backyard's tiled areas. Galen was clear and concise with what information he needed and made placing the order easy breezy with is quantities. Once the tile was onsite, his team was patient while Fireclay Tile sorted out the final details and product. The installations look amazing, especially the corners that they mitered! I would/will recommend anyone in the area to use Avant Garden for their landscaping projects!

**Comment from Avant Garden:**

> Thank you so much for the review Jennifer!  It is especially satisfying to get a positive review from a colleague.

**★★★★★ — Ten Eyck & Keegan, Inc., Dec. 2016**

> I have used Avant Garden on several projects and I am very pleased with the results. Galen is both an horticulturist and an artist. His vision is full scope: practical and beautiful. I recommend him without reservation.

**★★★★★ — raggsfam, Oct. 2016**

> Galen was recommended by Tom, from West End Nursery, so we knew he would be good.  The design, work and completed garden exceeded our expectations.  The crew Galen uses, headed by Ruben, were a delight to have here.  They were always prompt, polite, efficient and a pleasure to deal with.
> It is with pleasure that we highly recommend Avant Garden.
> Gary & Mary Lou

**★★★★★ — George McNabb, Aug. 2016**

> Galen/Avant Garden is a very knowledgable professional who  has many years of experience with landscaping design, plants types and construction issues associated with garden design.   He is available and helpful and you will not be disappointed.

**★★★★★ — HU-431838, Aug. 2016**

> We believe we have found the best garden designer in Marin!
> My wife and I have used Galen several times to redo the front and back gardens of our Mill Valley home, over nearly a 20 year period. We have always loved the results. He is extremely knowledgeable and imaginative with plants, trees and artistic with their layout.
> Another landscape designer whom I met recently confided that Galen is the one competitor to whom she would feel comfortable referring her own clients.

**★★★★★ — Virginia Fauvre, Aug. 2016**

> The garden possibilities were what drew me to purchase this 1945 vintage cottage.  I wanted a space in which I could be renewed, refreshed, inspired.  Galen understood my wishes and designed an informal garden that matched my expectations exactly.  He is intuitive yet grounded in a great knowledge of his craft.  He designed and supervised the installation of plantings that surround a sitting area, a raised vegetable garden, grilling and eating areas.  Not to mention plants that attract butterflies, humming birds and bees, creating an environment that is dynamic and beautiful.
>
> Galen always was on time and responsive - a pleasure to work with.  He has lived in and loved this area for years.  He has excellent resources for all aspects of landscaping and maintenance and I know, now that the project is finished, that Galen will always be there for any future garden needs.

**★★★★★ — tommyg2013, July 2015**

> We had a huge 1/2 year project with Galen and his excellent crew.
>
> Galen was local to our area (Fairfax/San Anselmo) which was a big plus. He was on-site quite often and was quite pleasant to work with. He is very knowledgeable and friendly and listened very well to our requests. His quotes were very in-line with the actual work that was done.
>
> He had done a wonderful job on a neighbors property, which was how we first came to hear about him. I can't say enough about his work and the work of Ruben and his large and very hard-working crew.
>
> Great job and thanks!

**★★★★★ — Yard Art, Inc, June 2015**

> Galen is extremely easy to work with. It is nice to know someone you can feel confident about referring your own customers to.

**★★★★★ — S Maress, June 2015**

> Galen helped transform our yard from a barely usable concrete jungle to a functional, wonderful space for our family to enjoy. He has a great knack for listening to a ton of "wants"  and picking out what works best for a space. We enjoyed working wih Galen very much and would highly recommend him!

**★★★★★ — bsandler9, June 2015**

> I am a plumber, and I found Gaylan twelve years ago, when I admired the landscaping in front of a customer's house, and asked who did the design and planting - the customer gave me Gaylan's number and my wife and I used him to landscape our entire property.  Gaylan was a pleasure to work with and did an amazing job of picking and placing plants, and helping us find a paving company to do our driveway and patio.  We just took out three invasive trees, and have hired Gaylan to design and replant several large areas of our garden.  The first stage is done, and is spectacular.  And once again, Gaylan was terrific to deal with, and created a gorgeous area.  We give him our highest recommendation.

## Selected projects

- [Fairfax modern agrarian garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairfax-modern-agrarian-garden-pj-vj~1154207)
  - Location: Fairfax, CA
  - Photos: 23
- [Mill Valley Modern garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-modern-garden-pj-vj~89224)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Beautiful sculptural garden of art collector. Included bocce court, bluestone patio, modern outdoor furniture, and exquisite succulent plantings.
- [Larkspur Modern garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/larkspur-modern-garden-pj-vj~89235)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Inner Mission Modern Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inner-mission-modern-garden-pj-vj~1141162)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Fairfax Mediterranean garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairfax-mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~89191)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Kentfield Contemporary Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kentfield-contemporary-garden-pj-vj~89268)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Mill Valley Modern Garden 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-modern-garden-2-pj-vj~89260)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Kentfield Artist's Garden and Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kentfield-artist-s-garden-and-studio-pj-vj~89273)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Artist's pre-fab studio with living roof. Also includes garden shed and dog run surrounded by hog wire fencing.
- [San Rafael Mediterranean garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~89248)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [San Anselmo Mediterranean garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-anselmo-mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~89253)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Mediterranean plantings that go with house.
- [Portola Valley Kitchen Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portola-valley-kitchen-garden-pj-vj~89278)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Mill Valley Modern Garden 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-modern-garden-3-pj-vj~89282)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Belvedere Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belvedere-garden-pj-vj~89329)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 12
- [Mill Valley Mediterranean Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~89263)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [Novato contemporary garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/novato-contemporary-garden-pj-vj~89255)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Kentfield estate garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kentfield-estate-garden-pj-vj~89181)
  - Location: Kentfield, CA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: A classic contemporary estate in Marin County with all the amenities...large pool, pool house, roofed outdoor kitchen, kitchen garden, and extensive plantings.
- [Tiburon Mediterranean Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiburon-mediterranean-garden-pj-vj~1141146)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [San Rafael Kitchen garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-kitchen-garden-pj-vj~89343)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 2
- [Mill Valley Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-craftsman-pj-vj~89277)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [San Anselmo contemporary English Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-anselmo-contemporary-english-garden-pj-vj~2797746)
  - Location: San Anselmo, CA
  - Photos: 5

[See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/avant-garden-pfvwus-pf~151088435)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Curious about the rock paths** *(in Photo Questions)*

What's the best way to prep a rock path so weeds aren't popping up so soon ? Base layer, rock type, etc? thanks!

A: 3" or so of compacted base rock under the gravel.  But weed seeds will get into the gravel and sprout especially if organic matter or soil collects in it providing a place for them to get a foothold.

**Q: heaven of plants** *(in Photo Questions)*

If you could give me a list of plants used here. This will be my heaven on earth. So beautiful!

A: Yes

**Q: What color stain did you use for this fence. It’s lovely.** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Hi, It was so long ago so don't remember.  It was probably more of a  natural oil/preservative than a stain as that's what I tend to use .

**Q: Fake grass** *(in Photo Questions)*

What make is the fake grass in these photos and where can you get it?

A: It is actually not fake grass.  The sod was fairly newly laid when this photo was taken so its looks too perfect.

**Q: What is the manufacturer of the lights?** *(in Photo Questions)*

They are are perfect for my outdoor kitchen - nice, clean and not too decorative.  The overall design is beautiful. Thank you so much.

A: Who is the manufacturer of the the stainless down lights?  Very nice design by the way!

**Q: Fencing. How are your fences made? I think I see tensioners?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: There are no tensioners.  Fencing is a 2" x 4" welded wire that was pulled tight so not to sag.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*