a garden TREAT!

I have always admired Craig Bergmann's work.  He is my favorite garden designer and it has been a slight dream of mine to meet him.   My lovely mama and I went on a garden walk today and as we walked into the second garden I jokingly told her how funny it would be if we ran into Mr. Bergmann.  We settled into the garden and found a vignette that we were both taken with.  As I was inspecting the seedpod on one of the shrubs, up walks a man who begins to tell me a bit about the plant and a few other things we were admiring.  Hmmm...he was lovely we both agreed.  My mom had one more question for him and low and behold it was Craig Bergmann!

We saw him once more and I was able to introduce myself and shake his hand.  He told us several stories behind some of his gardens and answered some of my questions.  Overall, it was a pretty grand experience for me!  

I'm not going to chat any further.  I'll let the photos speak for themselves.  Enjoy!

House of the Four Winds {Lake Forest}

The Gardens at 900

"The Gardens at 900 are a sensitive renovation and interpretation of the original entry building complex and gardens of Elawa Farm. Originally designed by architect David Adler in 1917 for A. Watson and Elsa Armour, the buildings had been abandoned for nearly a decade before being acquired by Craig Bergmann and Paul Klug. Both private residence and the design offices for Craig Bergmann and Paul Klug, the use of buildings and garden areas at 900 respectively regard the history of the site, while also fostering creativity within its existing framework. Formal borders, a shade garden, an orchard, a new swimming pool garden, and a motor court constitute the garden today. A relatively young garden (2010), The Gardens at 900 are an excellent example of how quickly a landscape can be transformed with the strategic placement of plant material and a focused, collaborative vision."

Crabtree Farm

"These gardens surround estate buildings designed in 1926 by David Adler. They are located on Crabtree Farm, the only remaining farm in Illinois that overlooks Lake Michigan. The gardens, which originated in the 1920s include a cottage garden by Ellen Shipman, a neo-classical folly house, and an original greenhouse and potting shed next to the cutting and vegetable garden. There is also a 1926 indoor tennis court with espaliered ivy walls. In more recent times, additions to the gardens include a walled garden, classical sculpture, several landscape folly buildings, and a golf course within woodland and wildflower settings. A ravine walk and raised walkways lead to a private Lake Michigan beach. Additionally, a separate woodland area to the west of the original estate has been developed to include a hermit's cottage, an 1837 Lake County log house, and other features situated along the woodland's pathways."

 Happy making, baking, and growing this week!