Craig’s careful renovation of the buildings and gardens has allowed for an interactive and “inside-out” workspace for the Craig Bergmann Landscape Design team.

Designed by architect David Adler in 1917 for A. Watson and Elsa Armour, the original entry building complex of Elawa Farm awaited revitalization. The 3-acre site, abandoned for over a decade, welcomed Craig’s reinterpretation of the use of the buildings and surrounding land. It was quite the challenge to bring it to life again and provide the program to be able to support all of the effort, both financially and physically.

With the integrity of the estate a priority, various historical archives were reviewed at length as the rethinking of the three buildings began to allow for repurposing for life in the 21st century. Craig paid close attention to every detail, to ensure the compound is still seen as Adler intended.

The new landscape was conceived to address both the residential and business needs. The challenge was to provide separation between the two disparate uses, while delivering a beautiful and coherent overall space. This critical element carried significant weight, as the finished landscape was to be used as a showroom for the company’s design abilities. Whenever possible, organic, non-chemical solutions have created these gardens. Resident dogs and rodents celebrate the annual monarchs migrating and feeding on the property in the fall.