Friday, November 18, 2016

Dry Creek Bed Landscape

This project was a way to control the flow of rainwater across our front landscape. 
Here my easy steps to follow when installing a dry creek bed.

Dig a Trench

I started out by clearing the grass and digging the shape of the creek bed. You can use spray paint to mark out the shape of your creek bed, making it look as natural as possible. 
We already had a couple of  large boulders that surfaced when we had our water line replaced years ago, 
so I used them as a focal point.

Set Large Boulders

Most of you won't have boulders already in place, so find rocks and boulders of different sizes. 
For a more natural look, instead of lining the sides of the creek bed with rocks, try to create clusters of different size boulders along the river's edge for a more natural look.

Install Plastic or Weed Fabric

I used doubled clear plastic sheet overlapping it for complete coverage, and roof shingles at the base of our home foundation.

The shingles were placed partially against the foundation wall, to create a semi curve and help the water run off into the creek bed.
At this point I also planted a mix of tall grass and mulch.
Cardboard is an inexpensive (and free) material to use instead of weed fabric.
Make sure you wet the cardboard well before topping with mulch.


Fill with River Rocks

I used a mix of small rocks that I found for free and 3 bags of river rocks I bought years ago for a different project that never happened. 


p.s. call rocks landscaping businesses. 
They sell the nice natural stones for landscaping, but some of them will have a free pile of rocks that they can't use.
That's where I got all the landscaping rocks around our house.

Stay Frugal,
Daniela

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3 comments:

NanaDiana said...

How nice to see a post from you, Daniella! I have missed blogging and have missed seeing your blog, too! Your river bed is lovely. I see you are still as busy as ever. xo Diana

Linda said...

Leave it to you to even do impressive landscaping at a small cost!!! You continue to amaze me!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
Love this natural looking Dry Creek Bed Landscape very much.
A smart solution for diverting the heaven-water away from the house.
Sending you hugs,
Mariette