COLUSA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER,
Caring for our Community

Colusa Regional Medical Center Volunteers Undertake Landscape Makeover

            With spring’s arrival, volunteers from the CRMC Board of Directors, Foundation, Auxiliary and staff undertake the task of spring cleaning and updating the hospital landscaping.  Kathie Whitesell, chair of the Garden Committee is shown here surveying the work that needs to be done to get rid of winter weeds and overgrowth.

            Other members of the committee are Concha Walker, Auxiliary representative; David Zwald and D’Ann Bressler, Foundation representatives; and Sally Steidlmayer, Rachel Betke Mena, Arline Blaine, Jennifer Perry, Betty Swearinger, Charla Parker, Mike Newton, staff representatives.
 

            Members of the committee adopted different sections of the landscape and set about weeding, trimming, rototilling and composting before setting out the new plantings.  Compost and bark for the project was donated by.  Griff’s Nursery provided special ordering and delivery service.  Money to purchase the decorative fountain and plants was donated with matching contributions from the Auxiliary and Foundation.  Shown here are Concha Walker, President and Patricia Beacham, Treasurer presenting Dale Kirby, CEO with a check for $1,000.

The Foundation volunteers adopted the front of the hospital.  They chose a tranquil theme centered around a cascading, bubbling water feature which they purchased at the Home and Garden Show in Yuba City. The had the challenge of finding shade loving plants that complement the fountain and still provide interest year round without sun. Plants chosen include ferns, hostas and Japanese evergreens.  Plants with veins of deep purple and white blossoms were selected to accent the green foliage.

The tranquil white and deep purple theme was carried through in the replanting of the front of the building where overgrown, non-blooming shrubs and trees were removed.  A smoke tree (Cotinus cog. ‘Royal Purple’) was chosen as the focal point.  Complementing the deep purple are Cordyline and New Zealand flax (Phormium).  White blooming shrubs utilized as accent, include Potentilla, Virburnum (snow ball bush), Gardenia, and Cornus sericea (yellow-twig dogwood).  Ornamental shrubs (Chamaecyparis pisifera and Juniper chinensis Pfitzeriana) were used as backdrop against the walls to continue the planting theme of the entrance courtyard. 

Having completed the makeover of the entrance to the hospital, the Foundation volunteers are moving on to other sections of the garden.   Hospital staff will be working on their adopted projects as well during the following weeks with a contest being held for the best design.  The Garden Committee’s goal is to have the landscaping updated in time for the Foundation Annual Meeting to be held on May 19^th.

An area is being set aside to be used as a Rose Recognition garden.  Anyone who would like to donate a “living gift” to a special friend or loved one can do so by donating $100.  A rose of the donor’s selection will be planted in the newly designated area along with a recognition plaque.  What a perfect gift for mother’s day, anniversary or just to remember someone for that extra special accomplishment.

            If you would like information on the Rose Recognition Garden or on becoming a CRMC Board of Directors, Foundation or Auxiliary volunteer, contact Charla Parker at 530 458-5821 x396 or email www.ColusaMedicalCenter.org and click on “Contact Us”.

Colusa Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer.