The Art of Fine Gardening - by Craig Bergmann & Russ Buvala (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The long-awaited debut book on Craig Bergmann, pre-eminent designer of traditional gardens along the North Shore of Chicago

For more than four decades, Craig Bergmann has been recognized for intertwining design, horticulture, and architecture, establishing a true dialogue between the garden and the architectural site. Revered as a plantsman, Bergmann layers his designs with vibrant blooms and textured foliage. The Art of Fine Gardening features twenty gardens that span his career and are located in the North Shore of Chicago. A special chapter is dedicated to the Gardens at 900, the historic estate designed by architect David Adler, that he developed and reimagined as a series of lush private garden rooms with hedges, towering topiary, perennial borders, and interspersed with classical figures and ornament. Featuring stunning garden images by noted photographer Scott Shigley and texts written by Bergmann, the book describes all the gardens in his own voice - a voice of true experience - offering anecdotes and practical tips to gardeners.

Review Quotes

'An ode to the legacy [Bergman's] built over more than 40 years.' - ELLE Décor, 10 Best Gardening Books of 2025

About the Author

Craig Bergmann is the founder of Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, the premier garden design firm on the North Shore of Chicago. He is a board member of Forest Park Conservation and the Midwest chapter of ICAA and is currently directing the design of study gardens for the History Center of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. He is a fellow of the Garden Conservancy.

Roy Diblik is a noted plantsman and designer best known for collaborations with Piet Oudolf on his Midwestern projects. He is the author of The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden.

Russ Buvala is Horticulturalist, Head Gardener, and Maintenance Department Manager for Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc.