Good To Know
The dry creekbed acts as a natural filter for rainwater, making it a type of rain garden. Visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com/OutdoorLiving to learn more about rain gardens.
"Every time it rained, I found my mulch halfway down the street."
Mondo grass along the edges of the creekbed holds topsoil in place. Adding plenty of mulch helps keep weeds at bay.
Runoff Rescue
Don't go with the flow. You can take care of your yard’s water problems in one of two ways.
Above ground, create a ditch deep and wide enough to handle a large volume of water, as in this dry creekbed project. Fill it with rocks to slow drainage and allow the water to seep into the soil.
Below ground, install a French drain, which requires a perforated pipe. Make sure the pipe’s circumference is large enough to handle the volume of your runoff. Cover the pipe with gravel to keep silt out. Whether you use a ditch or a French drain, consult with your city government’s zoning department regarding local landscape ordinances.
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A custom-built bridge adds an interesting focal point to the scene.
"The bridge adds a sculptural element and a way to cross the creekbed without stepping on the plants."
The gentle slope of the creekbed redirects water away from the home's foundation.
 What They Did
The Challenge: During a heavy rain, water would gush down the sloped backyard and straight toward the house, eroding the soil and causing runoff problems. As a result, the yard was washed-out and bare, and it lacked vegetation.
The Solution: As an alternative to the usual French drain, the homeowners created an eye-catching solution—a dry creekbed. Now when it rains, this watercourse helps prevent erosion by carrying runoff away from the house.
Find detailed how-to instructions, illustrations, and a list of tools and materials for building this
bridge at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Woodworkers.
Working With Nature
1. The homeowners chose fabricated stone (M-Rock, Cascade River Stone, Special Order*), which is flat on one side.
2. After the stones were laid, the remaining area was filled with river pebbles (#92125).
3. Irregular-shaped pavers with soft
textured edges create a path to the bridge and blend seamlessly into the landscape.
4. An 8-foot-wide basin catches runoff and redirects it into the channel away from the house and toward the side yard.
Several boulders that were found on the property help break up the water flow.
5. The homeowners' love of their city’s botanical gardens inspired the Asian style of the bridge. The red stain and copper post caps add a pop of color
to the landscape.
6. Blooming plants, such as hydrangeas, contribute a welcoming feel and thrive
in the dappled light.
*Availability varies by market
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