The Artificial Stream:
Unless you are one of the few that already have a small stream running through your yard, then your going to have to construct one. It is really not that difficult to accomplish if you use a shovel and read simple instructions. That said, let's get started.
Planning: the first thing we want to do is plan where the stream will flow from and flow to. Hopefully you have a pond already and are just adding the stream section. If not, be aware that you will have to have a holding pond for the water that will be used to pump to the stream head. To begin, place a garden hose on either side of your stream representing the banks. Make adjustments to give it a natural winding look that all streams have. Usually gentle long sweeping turns and bends. Keep it all in perspective as your not creating the Colorado River here, just a small backyard stream.
Can you dig it!
Now that you have determined where your stream is going, it is time to start digging it all out. Leave the hose in place and use it as a template where to start your bank cuts. We recommend that you dig straight down 4" of so then gently slope the rest of the sides to the middle. A very important point here: It is recommended that your stream use a variable of 30 degrees grade from starting to finishing points. Anything less won't really let the water flow naturally and much more will turn your stream into white water rapids. Once you have dug the area, place builders sand at a depth of 2" in the bottom and up the sides. Use a trowel to smooth it out.
Line It:
Now we can install our stream liner into the streambed using PPL liner material. Let's make a point here for the crowd that always thinks they have a better cheaper way of doing things. Using cheap plastic or cheap liner materials will have you digging it all up within a couple years. Now if that doesn't bother you then by all means save some money. For the rest of you that don't want to redo this thing that often read on. This would be the time to install the liner. Start at the downstream end of the stream. That would be your pond. Lay a least 1-foot of stream liner over into the pond and secure with double-sided tape. Work up the stream until you run out of liner. Now over lap another section of liner on top of the existing one about one foot and run a strip of tape along the edge pressing it to the existing piece. A completely tight seal is not really necessary, as a 30-degree angle won't have any back flow to run under the seams. If you have created any drop-offs, be sure to tuck the liner and push it to the back as far as possible. Placing a flat rock up against it will help. Leave an overlap of 6 to 12" on the bank. This extra can be trimmed back slightly when you start to finish off the sides.
Rock And Roll:
If you would like to actually see the water flowing, we recommend placing flow rocks into the stream. These single or group of rocks can be just below the water level or above it. This diversion will cause the water to flow around or narrow and cause white water or areas where flow is noticed. If you are using drop-offs, be sure to add a flat rock, angled slightly forward extending over the edge a few inches. This will give you a mini waterfall effect that really looks good. You can also place other rounder rock under the fall for a natural look. Add a couple inches of river rock in the stream and position larger rocks here and there to resemble an actual streambed.
The Edge:
Once the bed is completed, you can add larger border rock around the edges of the stream. You may also want to place plantings in and around the rock to give the band a more natural look. Look at pictures in books and on TV. Or just take a walk to a pond in your town and study the way it works in a natural setting. See Pond Edging
