A dry creek bed offers a soothing, natural look in a garden.
Design yours with a few gentle curves and a mix of rock sizes for a garden feature you'll love year-round.
Find our step-by-step instructions below.
After determining the size and shape of the dry stream bed, excavate 12-15 inches of soil. This can be done with a backhoe or a shovel.
Tamp the ground firm to create a flat surface with angled sides. Then place landscape fabric over the entire surface, including the angled sides, to prevent weeds from popping through.
Cover the bottom and the sloping sides of the stream bed with 1/2 inch of crushed pea gravel. The sharp edges of the gravel will keep it from migrating when it rains or when someone walks on it.
For a natural look, add river rock along the edges of the dry steam bed. Use various sizes, from 2 to 8 inches in length.
Position four large flat-top rocks so they can support a flagstone bridge. Anchor the rocks in place with cement so they won't move with freezing and thawing.
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use a shop vac, works great in and between my rocks.
4/26/2012 10:07:05 AM Report AbuseThe only way to really maintain your dry streambed is to remove the river rock from the "stream" area once a year and remove the dirt and debris then relay the rock. It takes time but the results remind me why I did this in the first place. It's gorgeous.
7/7/2011 05:40:08 PM Report AbuseI could also use advice on how to maintain a dry streambed. I have the same issue as pbgoodhart. Sediment is filling in the streambed, burying the river rocks. When I tried to dig out the river rocks and mud using a three-pronged hoe, it tore the landscape fabric. Any suggestions on how to make this a bit easier? I have had the stream for about 5 years.
5/30/2011 11:36:04 AM Report Abuseso where to I find the larger rocks?
3/26/2011 08:58:48 PM Report AbuseThis looks great I did it. We like it. Now 3 years later, how do we maintain it and get the sediment that has washed in during the winter runoff? Weeds are easy to pull because of the fabric; but it is filling with mud. Help?
5/9/2010 08:11:22 PM Report Abuse