RSS
Home
How to build a simple pondless stream
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
This constructed streambed solves drainage problems. (Larson photo)
Landscape problems can many times be turned into opportunities for creative and distinctive features in your yard.
Take, for instance, the soil erosion that was plaguing one Beaverdale homeowner in an area that sloped away from a downspout. The owner has been transforming her once highly structured back yard into a wildlife sanctuary and was looking for a solution that would continue that theme. She also longed for the natural sound of burbling water to become part of the landscape. The design solution became a shallow rock streambed with a reservoir to allow recirculation of water. During rainfalls, the streambed also channels downspout flow away from the house without erosion.
The entire project was accomplished in a couple of days for less than $750 and the result was labeled a “hit” when one trusted friend mentioned that the streambed looked “like it had always been there.” The process was relatively simple. Here are the basic steps with a few hints for success:
- Determine the path and depth of the streambed. In this case, the path had a gentle curve to it and the streambed was three feet wide and a foot deep in the center of the channel. It’s best to paint out the streambed dimensions.
- The amount of water that will flow through the streambed is dependent on the size of the tub reservoir that in turn dictates the size of pump that will be needed. There are a number of resources on the web to assist in calculating these quantities. One is on “Outdoor Elements” and another is available from The Complete Guide to Disappearing Waterfalls.
- A tub reservoir was positioned at the base of the stream. To ensure that water would be retained in the event of a heavy rainfall, the hole was enlarged to about 12" larger than the tub. This additional area was later filled with 2” river rock and served as a seepage pit to give water a chance to soak into the earth away from the foundation of the house.
- Once the earth was removed, all sharp objects such as rock fragments, roots or other materials were removed to minimize the chance of the streambed liner being torn or punctured.
- A layer of heavy duty weed fabric or burlap was laid in the streambed to serve as further protection to the pond liner. The pond liner was then laid in the streambed. Hint: lay the liner out first and trim off excess after it has been smoothed out in the channel. A flap of fabric was extended over the lip of the tub reservoir.
- A paddle drill bit was used to put a 1” hole in the side of the tub and tubing was inserted and attached to the submerged pump that to be used. Plumbers putty was applied around the edge of the hole to seal the gap between the hose and the drilled hole.
- The tubing was then run along the edge of the streambed and attached to the spitter at the top of the stream. The tub was filled and to check whether there were any leaks where the hose entered the tub. The pump was then started to ensure that the water flowed along the desired path into the tub.
- Once the water system was tested, the hole surrounding the tub and the streambed was filled with decorative 2” river rock. To estimate the amount of river rock needed, measure the length and width of the streambed and multiply. Assume that the river rock will be used at about a 3” depth, in which case 1 ton of river rock will cover about 90 square feet. In the case of this streambed, about a dozen larger rocks and small boulders were arranged in the channel to provide interest and a more natural look. When placing boulders try not to scrape them on the pond liner to avoid punctures or leaks.
- The tub used for this stream was a little more than 26” wide, so a circular grill for a barbecue formed a perfect grate on which to place decorate 3-4” black Mexican river stones. The grill used had a folding section that is also perfect for being able to access the pump for maintenance during the season.
- Once the channel has been filled with 2” river rock and stone placed on top of the tub’s grate to disguise the pump, everything is read to plug in! Make sure to use a grounded outdoor GFI outlet for safety.
Watch for another installment on plants selected to make this water feature become even more natura in "Plant palette for streamside planting."
Related Articles:
Comments
.jpg)
