Dry river , ordry stream , is a very interesting solution, imitating a real river bed. A dry river is perfect for a sunny garden or when it is not possible to supply water to a garden stream. It also requires much less care than a real brook, but at the same time gives the impression of water flowing in the garden and adds dynamics to the garden composition. Seehow to build a dry streamin the garden.
A dry pebble stream imitates a real river flowing through the garden
Dry Streamis great for rock gardens, popularly known as rock gardens, and is often used in Japanese and modern-style gardens. In simple terms, it is a dry stream bed, covered with gravel. Of course, in order to achieve the effect of imitating a natural river bed, tobuild a dry streamone should use appropriate materials and properly shape its banks. Only thendry riverwill be a true decoration of our garden.
How To Build A Dry Stream
In order tobuild a dry streamyou first need to form a basin and pour gravel on its bottom. It is worth using pebbles, the same as those found in natural river beds. White grit also works well. Its light color will contrast strongly with the green of the surrounding plants. Even if we use grits, it is worth placing pebbles here and there, and larger stones at the edges. An interesting effect can also be obtained from a stone island formed in the middle of a dry river.
Ifdry streamis adjacent to the lawn, it is worth using log edges or larger stones stacked next to each other so that the gravel does not spread beyond the stream, but also that the grass does not overgrow to the brook.
A bridge over a dry river intensifies the effect
The selection of appropriate species of plants growing in a dry stream, with attractive flowering or with ornamental foliage will also have a significant impact on the effect of the entire composition. Ifdry streamwinds through the rock garden, it is worth planting typical rock vegetation in the gaps between the stones - thyme, swarms and sedum plants. Nearby, in a sunny position, the following will be attractive: dwarf mountain pine 'Mops', clumps of pink blooming Japanese tawula or lush green, compact and spherical miniature variety of Lawson's cypress 'Green Globe'. A contrast to these plants can be planted nearby species and varieties of Japanese maples with red and purple leaves, 'Royal Purple' or 'Pissardii' cherry plum.
In more shaded areas and humid soils, with a gravel beddry stream , green funkia leaves and reddish or maroon cranberry leaves will blend in nicely.
Dry streambasically requires no maintenance. Periodically, it is only necessary to check whether its structure has not been washed out as a result of heavy rainfall or gusts of wind, or whether the gravel has spilled outside its limits. Over time, weeds can grow from under the pebbles. In order to avoid this, the bottom of the stream is covered with geotextile or black agrotextile for mulching, and then gravel and stones are poured over it. I do not recommend the black foil, because it will not be permeable and after rainfall, water may accumulate in the hollows.Made in this way
dry river in the gardenwill become a very decorative element, and at the same time requiring almost no maintenance.
