Graton Resort & Casino
Rohnert Park, California
by Luis Lua
Project Leader
Cagwin & Dorward recently undertook a challenging landscape renovation project at the Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, CA. The project, which was previously managed by one of the largest landscape companies in America, did not work out as they had hoped. Graton Resort & Casino sought the expertise and local knowledge of Cagwin & Dorward. The primary objective was to revitalize the casino’s exterior environment, creating a captivating and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the resort’s vibrant branding.
As the project leader at Cagwin & Dorward, I spearheaded the landscape renovation efforts. The original installation was a failure. The landscape architects were from Las Vegas and knew little about the local climate and soil conditions. That’s where Cagwin & Dorward came in with our full experience and knowledge of what plant life can survive well and thrive in this area.
The initial landscape consisted primarily of evergreen plants, lacking the diverse color palette and visual interest needed to create a truly immersive experience for guests. The previous landscaping contractor had installed a landscape that failed to consider the unique challenges of the local climate and soil conditions, resulting in poor plant growth and an underwhelming aesthetic.
Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, Graton Resort & Casino partnered with Cagwin & Dorward to reimagine their exterior spaces. With their extensive experience and deep understanding of the local environment. We set out to create a landscape that would not only thrive in Rohnert Park’s climate but also provide a stunning visual display throughout the year.
Our skilled Cagwin & Dorward team worked to transform specific areas by incorporating a variety of colorful plants that would thrive in the local climate.
The renovation project focused on strategically replacing existing plants with a carefully curated selection of colorful and texture-rich species, including gray metal roses, copper roses, and other eye-catching varieties.
Our expert designers at Cagwin & Dorward paid close attention to the resort’s branding, ensuring that the chosen plants would showcase a spectrum of colors that harmonize with the casino’s logo, as shown above, and the overall aesthetic.
One of the standout features of the redesigned landscape is the aptly named “Cucaracha garden,” a planter brimming with a vibrant mix of Cucaracha plants in various hues. This garden serves as a focal point, creating a playful and engaging environment that encourages guests to explore and enjoy the outdoor spaces.
Project Challenges
The project was not without its challenges. Throughout the landscape renovation process, we were committed to delivering exceptional results by addressing the unique challenges posed by the site’s soil conditions.
To address these issues and ensure the success of the new plantings, our team meticulously removed the existing, poorly-suited soil and replaced it with high-quality, amended soil to ensure optimal growing conditions for the new plants. This attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond solidified our position as the preferred landscaping partner for Graton Resort & Casino.
We also made sure to select plants that are well-adapted to the local soil conditions. This extra step, often overlooked by many landscaping companies, was crucial to ensure the new plants would grow and thrive.
Ongoing, we will do proper soil testing and analysis to identify potential issues that may arise and guide appropriate solutions before they become an issue.
Results
The Graton Resort & Casino landscape renovation project showcases Cagwin & Dorward’s commitment to delivering outstanding results tailored to our clients’ unique needs. By using our local knowledge and expertise, we helped Graton Resort & Casino transform a failing, boring landscape into a new, vibrant, and inviting environment that will continue to impress and create memorable experiences for visitors for years to come.
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