The Gardens at 900 are the result of the collective effort of two creatives, Craig Bergmann and his husband, Paul Klug, who were looking to save this historic property.  As a landscape architect and an interior designer, the talents of Craig and Paul offered the perfect combination for restoration of the buildings and gardens, allowing for an interactive and “inside-out” workspace, and home to the Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc. ,design studio.

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 and Paul’s reinterpretation of the use of the buildings and surrounding land.  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. The grounds and buildings are now an example of adaptive reuse benefitting the community and ensuring survival of their place in local history. The assembled renovation team of many contractors and artisans paid close attention to every detail, to ensure the compound was still seen as Adler intended.

The new landscape was conceived to address both 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 is used as a showroom for the company’s design abilities.

Whenever possible, organic, non-chemical solutions have created these gardens. All fine gardening work is performed by the garden care team of CBLD, and Craig on the weekends. Resident dogs and native insects and rodents celebrate the seasons chasing beauty and finding refuge; including a refueling spot for the annual fall monarch butterfly migration.