Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Historic Garden Center Since 1909
Established in 1909, our nursery has grown from a small neighborhood operation into one of Marin County's most trusted garden centers. Our team combines over a century of local horticultural knowledge with personalized service, helping both novice gardeners and experienced landscapers create thriving outdoor spaces. We maintain relationships with premier growers spanning 70+ years to ensure plant quality, while our staff's expertise with Marin's unique microclimates allows us to recommend plants perfectly suited to each customer's environment. With a focus on drought-resistant selections and sustainable gardening practices, we serve as Marin's premier destination for plants, gardening supplies, and holiday decorations. 
Services
Drought-Resistant Plants
Gardening Supplies
Christmas Decorations
Outdoor Living Products
Edible Gardens
Pots & Planters
Birding Supplies
Gifts & Decor
Fountains & Statuary
Big Green Egg BBQs
Details
- Year established: 1909
Highlights and features
- We've served Marin County with expert horticultural knowledge since 1909
- Our staff provides personalized guidance for Marin's unique microclimates
- We maintain 70+ year partnerships with California and Oregon growers
- Our Christmas House features 60+ themed trees and 10,000+ ornaments
- We offer on-site inspection of all plant shipments for quality control
Services
Drought-Resistant Plants
Our drought-resistant plant selection helps Marin gardeners create beautiful landscapes while conserving water. We offer expert guidance on plant placement based on local microclimates. These hardy specimens require minimal irrigation once established, making them ideal for California's climate conditions.
Christmas House
Open annually since 1985, our Christmas House features 60+ uniquely themed trees decorated with 10,000+ ornaments. We offer one-of-a-kind decorations and host community events like Santa Cop toy drives. The display opens the first weekend of November each year.
Edible Gardens
We provide homegrown organic edibles including 60+ tomato varieties and 30+ pepper types. Our test garden evaluates new cultivars for Marin's climate. Customers can find fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables that thrive in local growing conditions.
Big Green Egg
As exclusive dealers, we offer the versatile Big Green Egg ceramic cooker. This multifunctional device works as grill, oven, and smoker for perfect culinary results. Our display includes various sizes and accessories for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Gardening Supplies
We stock essential gardening tools, irrigation systems, and soil amendments from trusted brands. Our inventory includes lifetime-guaranteed Flexogen hoses and True Value Hardware products. Staff can special-order hard-to-find gardening supplies for specific projects.
People
Chris Untermann
Current Owner
Chris Untermann now runs the nursery, continuing his family's legacy that began in 1909. He ensures the business maintains its commitment to quality plants and customer service while adapting to modern gardening needs.
Barb Untermann
Design Lead
Barb Untermann, with her background in photo styling and design, curates our seasonal displays and Christmas House themes. She brings fresh creative vision to the nursery's visual presentation and holiday decorations.
Tom Untermann
Former Owner
Tom Untermann ran the nursery for many years, developing its reputation for exceptional customer service. He maintained the family tradition of personally inspecting plant shipments until his passing in 2020.
Karl Untermann
Past Owner
Karl Untermann became owner in 1954, continuing Richard Lohrmann's legacy. He expanded the nursery's offerings while maintaining its commitment to quality plants and personalized service for Marin gardeners.
Merrie Untermann
Co-Founder Christmas House
Merrie Untermann co-founded the Christmas House in 1985 with Cindy Wookey. She helped transform it from a small holiday display into Marin's premier Christmas destination featuring 60+ themed trees.
Questions
When is the Christmas House open?
The Christmas House opens the first weekend of November annually at our San Rafael location.
Do you offer gardening advice?
Our staff provides personalized guidance for Marin's microclimates to help plants thrive in local conditions.
What payment methods do you accept?
Please contact us directly at 415-454-4175 for specific payment method information.
Are you a family-owned business?
We've been family-owned since 1909, currently operated by the fourth generation of Untermanns.
Do you carry Big Green Egg products?
Yes, we are an authorized Big Green Egg dealer with a full display of ceramic grills and accessories.
Do you offer special orders?
Yes, we can special order gardening supplies and products through our True Value Hardware partnership.
