Native riverbed run

[TheSaltyreefer]

A muddy lawn area converted into a dry riverbed run made from hardwood mulch and stones, with a small pond and native plants.

• The project
• Before and after
• How to plan a garden makeover
• More inspiration for your landscaping project

The project

A few months back I decided I needed to add some drainage around the wife's studio as it was a muddy area after rain and turned a bit of the lawn into a sludge area. Not appealing at all.

What should have been an easy dig around the studio and then put in drainage turned into something else completely. I looked at the lay of the land once digging started and thought I could do a small river bed kind of thing, and then as per normal the brain got into bigger and better mode.

I had an old pond lying around, got the tools out and it took about four months all up, on and off, and we are nearly done. 

I like hard work so I did lots of shovelling and pulling out the larger weeds, then put down a double layer of cardboard to kill anything under it. I didn't use plastic, not a fan. I used hardwood mulch and there are no silt or run-off issues.

Then I put soil in areas on top. In some places I put rocks in. 

We have had some massive storms since finishing it, and it's held up beautifully. To date I think I have only had one or two small weeds, it's worked really well. Stage 2 is a large half-moon back to the fence lines, larger flowering gums and smaller natives, and a large water feature.

Before and after

 

How to plan a garden makeover

Experienced Workshop community member Adam has outlined what to consider for your own project in How to plan a garden makeover.

More inspiration for your landscaping project

Community member Jimi redesigned his outdoor area and his backyard landscaping and decking project created much more space.

Jimi also did some comprehensive front landscaping with low-level deck and paving after excavating the whole yard.

Check out our 10 ways to update your garden and the Top 10 most popular side yard projects for more ideas from Bunnings Workshop community members. 

[Dave-1]

Morning @TheSaltyreefer 

Every time I look at your project it makes me feel relaxed! It really came up nice.

Dave

[TheSaltyreefer]

Afternoon @Dave-1 
thanks for the kind words, we love it also, its starting to get some good size to the plants which in turn is bringing the native birds in win win, I have started on some additions to the run which will take away some lawn which is a good thing (less mowing) lol
https://youtu.be/sgEE2qhcbv8

[Dave-1]

@TheSaltyreefer 

Anything that takes away lawn to mow is a good idea! hahahahha I dislike mowing is all.

I have berms around my front yard to do the same deal and nice video (Just watched it) One day I i'll have runoff do that, usually my yard is dry enough to absorb the rain and no real flow lines.

Dave

[Remarka6le]

This project is awesome @TheSaltyreefer , how does this go when excessive rainfall comes your way? 

[TheSaltyreefer]

@Remarka6le 

https://youtu.be/xqIRlwSoc1U

Absolutely no issues whatsoever, torrential rain poses no issues, the lay of the land works a treat and it has underground drainage that takes 90% of the water away.
Very happy with the outcome