Business Details
38 Years
experience
Custom Landscape Design & Installation Services
GardenCrafters has been creating custom landscapes since 1988, merging innovative design with horticultural expertise. Owned by Mark Olson, a professional with degrees in Horticulture and Design, we bring decades of experience to every project. Our team specializes in transforming outdoor spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments tailored to each client's lifestyle. We offer comprehensive services including landscape design, installation, hardscaping, and specialty features like outdoor kitchens, lighting systems, and water features. With a commitment to quality, we provide free estimates and hardscape designs with signed contracts.Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region, our work spans formal gardens, naturalistic retreats, and contemporary landscapes. Mark's global experience informs our approach to climate-appropriate plant selection and erosion control. Recognized as the Best in East Bay for ten consecutive years, we prioritize client satisfaction through personalized service and attention to detail. Our portfolio showcases decades of expertise in creating gardens that reflect individual visions while enhancing property value. Backed by a deep understanding of local horticulture, we combine creativity with practicality to deliver lasting outdoor solutions.
Services
Landscape Design
Hardscaping
Outdoor Kitchens
Lighting Systems
Water Features
Planting Design
Erosion Control
Tropical Gardens
Mediterranean Design
Custom Garden Retreats
Served areas
- Pleasanton, San Ramon, Dublin, Oakland, Alameda, Pleasant Hill, Orinda,Concord
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer free estimates and hardscape designs with signed contracts.
- Our team combines horticultural expertise with creative design.
- Serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1988.
- Specialists in outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and lighting systems.
- Expertise in water features, planting design, and erosion control.
What people say
Best in East Bay
Creative designs
Expert horticulturalists
High-quality installations
Outstanding service
Services
Landscape Design
Landscape Design (Custom Garden Planning): We create tailored outdoor environments blending aesthetics and functionality. Our designs range from tropical paradises to contemporary spaces, complementing homeowners' lifestyles. With expertise since 1988, we ensure each project reflects individual client visions and local climate conditions.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping (Patios & Walls): We build durable, visually appealing elements like patios, retaining walls, and arbors. These structures enhance usability while integrating seamlessly with natural landscapes. Our free hardscape designs with contracts ensure client satisfaction.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchens (Entertainment Spaces): Custom-built kitchens featuring fireplaces, grills, and dining areas. Designed for durability and comfort, these spaces encourage outdoor entertaining while increasing property value through functional design.
Water Features
Water Features (Fountains & Ponds): Installation of tranquil elements like waterfalls, fountains, and ponds. These features add visual interest, ambient sound, and ecological value. Our designs prioritize sustainability and climate-appropriateness.
Planting Design
Planting Design (Climate-Specific Gardens): Expert selection and placement of plants suited to local climate zones. We balance seasonal color, texture, and growth patterns to create thriving, low-maintenance gardens tailored to each property's microclimate.
Questions
What services does GardenCrafters offer?
We provide full-service landscape design, installation, hardscaping, outdoor kitchens, lighting systems, water features, and planting design tailored to local climate conditions.
How long has GardenCrafters been in business?
GardenCrafters has specialized in custom landscape solutions since 1988, with over 30 years of experience in the industry.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide free estimates and complimentary hardscape designs when contracts are signed.
What areas do you serve?
We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region, including Pleasanton and Walnut Creek.
Are you specialists in outdoor living spaces?
Yes, we design and install outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and entertainment areas that enhance property functionality and aesthetics.
How do you handle plant selection?
Our team selects plants based on local climate zones to ensure vibrant, sustainable gardens that thrive long-term with minimal maintenance.
Reviews (13)
Michael Reyes
Jun 02, 2022
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GardenCrafters is amazing! I have used them to establish a garden in my backyard and it is beautiful. We recently contracted with them to makeover our very overgrown yard. Their team have all been very easy to work with as my wife and I struggled to figure out what we wanted at first. They not only helped with the design but also dealt with us as we made changes with the initial plan.
Sue Noyes
Feb 07, 2022
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We made a very bad decision in selecting GardenCrafters and Mark Olson for the extensive renovation of our large garden. I am writing this with the hope of sparing others from wasting their money as we did. Mark takes no pride or ownership of his work. Most of the plants have died including a magnolia tree that was planted in an underground spring (Mark installed the irrigation system) or eaten by deer (he assured us that all plants were deer-proof). He has not returned to check on his work or responded to our questions or concerns. My husband and I are senior citizens and should have done a more in-depth reference check.
Kirk Day
Feb 14, 2020
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Mark is one of the best garden designers I've ever had the pleasure of working with. After renovating the apartments my family owns we needed landscaping done to finish the job, and garden crafters was able to create an attractive and easy to maintain outside common areas.
Tom E.
Apr 03, 2019
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Two years ago we were in search of someone to upgrade our back yard when we found Mark. He helped us with the design, plants, grass, irrigation, lighting and hardscape. The end result was everything we had hoped for and them some. We would recommend Mark Olson I your looking for someone that really knows what he doing.
Erika Gonzalez
Dec 04, 2018
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Mark Olson and his team did some amazing work on one of our rental propertiesin Benicia. Our goal was drought tolerant plants and yard that would require minimal upkeep. Mark had a solution that worked great and now one year later still looks fantastic. I'll be calling him soon to work on our Walnut Creek home too!
Lorna Givens
Feb 18, 2018
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I figured they would be someone I could count on since he'd won the best of east bay award five years running, and I was right. My backyard was a mess of weeds, crabgrass, and just general ugliness. They were able to take what little space I have and turn it into a retreat for my wife and I. This summer we had all sorts of compliments after a couple of dinner parties. Highly recommended.
Elizabeth D.
Apr 27, 2016
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Mark Olson, the owner of Garden Crafters is the ABSOLUTE BEST in the Bay Area for your landscape needs. He doesn't just give you an idea of what he thinks best for your home, he sees your property in his mind before it's finished. I highly suggest you don't interfere with his creative process. You can of of course have your own suggestion where needed, however we found that more than not any suggestions on our part came out best with his vision.
Our landscaping is far more beautiful, and continues to grow more beautifully ever passing month, than when we first built our home. We had one of the top landscapers for our first 20 years and it was NEVER as pleasing as this out come. Mark is also so pleasant to work with as well as his staff who planted. Mark is basically an architect with experience, and a genius in horticulture. His work also accentuates your home with added beauty, and your home looks new again. Choosing him is an intelligent choice. Not choosing him....is just silly.
Our landscaping is far more beautiful, and continues to grow more beautifully ever passing month, than when we first built our home. We had one of the top landscapers for our first 20 years and it was NEVER as pleasing as this out come. Mark is also so pleasant to work with as well as his staff who planted. Mark is basically an architect with experience, and a genius in horticulture. His work also accentuates your home with added beauty, and your home looks new again. Choosing him is an intelligent choice. Not choosing him....is just silly.
Elizabeth D.
Apr 27, 2016
Report
Mark Olson, the owner of Garden Crafters is the ABSOLUTE BEST in the Bay Area for your landscape needs. He doesn't just give you an idea of what he thinks best for your home, he sees your property in his mind before it's finished. I highly suggest you don't interfere with his creative process. You can of of course have your own suggestion where needed, however we found that more than not any suggestions on our part came out best with his vision.
Our landscaping is far more beautiful, and continues to grow more beautifully ever passing month, than when we first built our home. We had one of the top landscapers for our first 20 years and it was NEVER as pleasing as this out come. Mark is also so pleasant to work with as well as his staff who planted. Mark is basically an architect with experience, and a genius in horticulture. His work also accentuates your home with added beauty, and your home looks new again. Choosing him is an intelligent choice. Not choosing him.is just silly.
Our landscaping is far more beautiful, and continues to grow more beautifully ever passing month, than when we first built our home. We had one of the top landscapers for our first 20 years and it was NEVER as pleasing as this out come. Mark is also so pleasant to work with as well as his staff who planted. Mark is basically an architect with experience, and a genius in horticulture. His work also accentuates your home with added beauty, and your home looks new again. Choosing him is an intelligent choice. Not choosing him.is just silly.
Rose H.
May 08, 2015
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I'm an elderly widowed woman who hired Mark to do some landscaping. I'm writing this in the hopes it may save some other trusting person from making the same mistake I did. He put in a watering system that doesn't water the plants, used some half dead plants, probably discounted, and mulch that was made from painted boards and had garbage in it, such as pieces of metal, plastic and other debris. Please look elsewhere for your landscaping service, I wish I had.
Cindy B.
Oct 01, 2014
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My backyard had too much lawn, an old spa with an very unusable deck and some tired plants. After talking to three other landscape design companies I selected GardenCrafters to redo my backyard. Mark Olson's design plan was creative, included all the things on my wish list and within budget. The project started on time and the people working on various aspects of the yard were respectful of my property. My questions were answered promptly and I am very pleased with the result. Anyone considering a landscape project should call GardenCrafters.
Anne K.
Oct 24, 2013
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We used GardenCrafters to redo a very tired part of our rather large yard. Mark came up with some great ideas that really integrated the new landscaping with the existing yard. His workers were very reliable and accommodating. The work site was kept very clean and everything was put away each night. At the end of the job Mark went over the various plants and told us how to care for them. Every phone call was answered very promptly. This is a great company!
Anne K.
we used GardenCrafters to redo a very tired part of our rather large yard. Mark came up with some great ideas that really integrated the new landscaping with the existing yard. His workers were very reliable and accommodating. The work site was kept very clean and everything was put away each night. At the end of the job Mark went over the various plants and told us how to care for them. Every phone call was answered very promptly. This is a great company!!!
Cindy B.
My backyard had too much lawn, an old spa with an very unusable deck and some tired plants. After talking to three other landscape design companies I selected GardenCrafters to redo my backyard . Mark Olson's design plan was creative, included all the things on my wish list and within budget. The project started on time and the people working on various aspects of the yard were respectful of my property. My questions were answered promptly and I am very pleased with the result. Anyone considering a landscape project should call GardenCrafters.