Business Details
18 Years
experience
Sustainable Edible Landscaping Experts in California
At Farm To Fork, we are pioneers in creating edible, sustainable urban gardens that redefine how Californians interact with land and natural resources. Founded in 2008 by Dan Allen and Lara Hermanson, our company has grown from a small urban farming venture into California's largest food-focused landscaping firm. Our team of master gardeners, licensed landscape architects, and experienced farmers specializes in designing, installing, and maintaining gardens that combine organic food crops with drought-tolerant native plants. We bring decades of collective expertise in water-wise practices, having implemented over 150,000 pounds of annual food production across hundreds of projects. Our approach integrates design, installation, and maintenance under one roof, ensuring cohesive, long-lasting results.We hold industry certifications including California Native Plant Landscaper credentials and LEED Associate Professional accreditation. With operations in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, we serve residential, multi-family, and commercial clients, including Fortune 500 companies and Michelin-starred restaurants. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through projects that use 70% less water than traditional lawns while creating green jobs with fair wages and benefits. We maintain transparency in our processes, from initial consultation through project completion, and prioritize client education about sustainable gardening practices. Our work addresses climate change challenges by promoting local food systems and restoring ecological balance in urban environments.
Services
Design
Installation
Maintenance
Urban Farming
Agrihoods
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in California-specific sustainable landscaping since 2008
- Our water-wise practices reduce garden water usage by 70% versus traditional lawns
- We employ professional farmers with agricultural expertise on every project
- We offer complete end-to-end services from design through maintenance
- Our team includes licensed landscape architects and certified professionals
Services
Design
Our landscape design team creates spaces that balance beauty with functionality. We specialize in integrating fresh food crops with California native plants and pollinator-friendly vegetation. Every design considers local climate conditions, water conservation, and long-term usability, ensuring gardens remain productive and aesthetically pleasing for years while supporting ecological diversity.
Installation
We implement customized garden installations using natural materials and expert craftsmanship. Our process includes site preparation, irrigation system installation, and construction of features like raised beds and trellises. We ensure proper soil composition and drainage while maintaining eco-friendly practices throughout the installation process to create thriving, sustainable outdoor spaces.
Maintenance
Our professional urban farmers provide regular maintenance to keep gardens productive year-round. Services include seasonal planting, crop harvesting, pest management, and irrigation system checks. We use organic methods and sustainable practices to maintain soil health while helping clients maximize food production and enjoy continuous garden benefits without the labor requirements.
Urban Farming
We specialize in creating functional urban farms for residential and commercial properties. Our expertise includes rooftop farming systems, small-space food production, and community agriculture projects. We optimize limited spaces for maximum yield while maintaining aesthetic appeal, helping city dwellers access fresh produce within their immediate environment through innovative farming techniques.
Agrihoods
We develop large-scale agricultural communities that integrate food production with residential living. Our agrihood designs create shared farming spaces within housing developments, promoting local food access and community engagement. These projects feature communal gardens, educational spaces, and sustainable infrastructure that enhance property value while fostering neighborhood connections through shared agricultural experiences.
People
Dan Allen
CEO
Co-founder of Farm To Fork with over 15 years experience in urban farming. Master Gardener and California Native Plant Landscaper certified. Grew company from grassroots operation to California's largest urban farming enterprise while maintaining sustainability focus.
Lara Hermanson
Principal
Co-founder and Bay Area operations lead with decade-plus experience in organic farming and landscape design. Licensed landscape contractor who combines agricultural expertise with aesthetic sensibilities to create functional, beautiful food-producing spaces for residential and commercial clients.
Catherine McLaughlin
Design Studio Principal
Landscape architect with 15+ years creating climate-responsive California gardens. USC graduate and LEED-certified professional specializing in integrating native plant communities with edible landscaping solutions that address regional water conservation needs while maintaining visual appeal.
Matthew Geldin
Farming Director
Co-owner responsible for maintenance operations across hundreds of projects. Landscape architecture graduate with decade of hands-on experience managing diverse projects from small gardens to large-scale neighborhood farms while maintaining ecological integrity and productivity.
Nicki Sherman
Operations Director
Operations expert with decade of experience in urban farming companies. Environmental policy graduate managing financial and HR aspects of Farm To Fork's growth while ensuring organizational sustainability and supporting the company's commitment to fair employment practices.
Questions
What makes Farmscape different from traditional landscaping companies?
We specialize in edible landscapes that combine food production with aesthetic design. Our team includes professional farmers and landscape architects who create sustainable gardens using 70% less water than traditional lawns.
Do you work with both residential and commercial clients?
Yes, we serve homeowners, multi-family developments, and commercial properties including Fortune 500 companies and Michelin-starred restaurants, creating customized food-producing landscapes for all project types.
What areas do you serve in California?
We operate from Oakland and Los Angeles locations, serving the Bay Area and Southern California with design, installation, and maintenance services for sustainable food-focused landscapes.
How much do your garden installations cost?
Raised bed installations start at $10,000, with final pricing depending on project size, materials, and complexity. We provide customized quotes based on each client's specific space and requirements.
Do you provide ongoing maintenance for installed gardens?
Yes, our professional urban farmers provide weekly maintenance including planting, harvesting, pest control, and irrigation management using organic methods to ensure garden productivity throughout the year.
How do your gardens address California's water concerns?
Our designs use 70% less water than traditional lawns through drought-tolerant native plants, efficient drip irrigation systems, and soil optimization techniques that maximize water retention while supporting food production.
