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a dry stream—a shallow swale lined with stone substantial enough to withstand a serious downpour. Large chunks of stone or concrete, termed rip-rap, are sometimes dumped on creek embankments to slow the speed of storm water and to prevent erosion.

also provides an ideal place for plants.

Creating a gentle curve in a streambed results in a more natural appearance and serves to reduce the velocity of the water

creates areas for major plant groupings

don't overwhelm a small stream bed with huge boulders.

For a more natural appearance, put some rocks on top of each other or partially bury them. Move the stones around to get the look you want, filling the spaces with more river rocks. Spread fine gravel at the lower end of the dry stream bed to create the appearance of naturally deposited sediment.

Add plants along the banks

Eliminate erosion of soil and mulch from hillsides through placement of various sized boulders

Convert a wet portion of the yard to a beautifully landscaped area

Add beauty to your landscape with gentle curves of stone and plantings for color and contrast

requires careful planning

the dry creek bed is about two to three times wider than it is deep. Save the soil you remove to establish raised landscape beds around the edges.

Install weed prevention fabric to reduce to reduce weed growth

Fill with rocks of various sizes.

flat surface with angled sides

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.

Use various sizes, from 2 to 8 inches in length.