Landscaping and Gardens

Restoring the construction site, using native vegetation and trees planted around the new Sutter Santa Rosa Medical Center, will beautify the grounds and create an aesthetically pleasing environment for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

It will also contribute to the sustainability of the land, help reduce heat islands and stabilize microclimates on the property throughout the year – as well as assist in retaining and filtering storm water runoff.

A concerted effort is being made to preserve existing trees that comprise a total of 72,952 square feet of tree canopy. In addition, the landscape plan calls for planting approximately 145 new evergreen trees (Redwoods) and 808 deciduous trees, including Valley and Coast Live Oaks. Perimeter trees will include Redbud, Manzanita and Buckeyes.

Evergreens typically will be used as a screen along the property lines between existing homes and the site as well as along the Highway 101 frontage.

"While evergreens provide higher storm water quality advantages, deciduous trees maximize summer shade and winter sun exposure to offset building energy needs," said William Mastick, principal with Quadriga Landscape Architecture and Planning. "The large percentage of deciduous trees also will aid evapotranspiration by capturing a significant amount of storm water and returning it to the atmosphere through the leaf canopy."

All plantings have been designed to require low supplemental water after they are established. The vegetated swales will feature a mix of plant species including non-mown, non-irrigated native grasses that can tolerate periods of seasonal inundation and drought.

The two detention basins will be planted with native shrubs, sedges, rushes, ground covers and trees. Attention also will be paid to planting species that thrive in "wet-feet zones" at the bottom of bio-swales, planters and detention basins.

A greenbelt, with a pathway, will be established along the south edge of the overflow parking area for the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts located northeast of the Center. This pathway will feature ornamental plants that will accent a sculpture garden leading to the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts lobby.

Three contained gardens, some with stucco walls, terraces and stone water features, will be located on either side of the main hospital entrance. Irrigation systems supporting these gardens will be designed to conserve water, minimize overspray and runoff.

These gardens have been positioned to shield the parking lot from view, while being visible from inside the building from corridors along large window walls. The gardens will offer ample space to linger and explore an extensive pathway system that makes its way through these 250 feet long by 80 feet wide botanical settings.

"These garden spaces are being created to serve as tranquil settings where people can come to relax, relieve stress associated with hospital experiences, savor a bag lunch or simply have a private moment," Mastick said.