Craig Bergmann, Lake Forest, IL

@craigbergmanndesign

CRAIG BERGMANN Lake Forest, IL

Craig Bergmann has been an Open Days garden host since 1997, sharing both his own gardens and those he’s created for clients. He served as a regional ambassador, is a member of the Garden Conservancy Society of Fellows, and hosted a sold-out Garden Masters Series event in 2019. His firm, Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, has won critical acclaim for intertwining design, horticulture, and architecture in a way unique to northern Illinois.

The Gardens at 900, Craig’s current garden, is a sensitive renovation of the historic entry building complex and gardens at Elawa Farm. Originally designed in 1917 by prominent Chicago-area architect David Adler, the buildings had been abandoned for nearly a decade before being acquired by Craig and interior designer Paul Klug and now serve as both their private residence and design office. Craig and Paul’s work respects the history of the site while also incorporating and fostering today’s creativity.

“In designing a garden, we strive to establish a true dialogue between the living garden and the architectural site.”