A beautiful addition to the garden landscape design - dry stream
If you want a suburban area to look beautiful, unusual and modern, you need to think over the landscape design to the smallest detail. Often use reservoirs for zoning of territories, as well as in order to effectively emphasize the central part of the garden. The most interesting thing is that the presence of water for this is completely optional. We will tell you about such an interesting design element as a dry stream. This idea has many advantages and also has an interesting history.
History of origin
The origins of the stone stream go back to ancient Japan, where the tradition of creating philosophical stone gardens arose 700 years ago. The present could watch the dry riverbed, which is looking forward to the first drops of rain. They will fill the stream and turn it into a full-flowing river. This illusion allowed a person to plunge into deep philosophical reflections on life and harmony. Over time, this interesting landscape design idea became widespread in the west.
What does a dry stream consist of and what is useful?
The beginning of the stream is a small source, which gradually expands, meandering through the garden. It is believed that this is how positive energy, good luck and harmony are attracted to the house. The composition consists of small stones, symbolizing the movement of the water stream, and large white boulders, similar to rapids and waterfalls. The decoration of the stream with shrubs and small wooden bridges thrown over the stone stream looks organic.
The main advantage of this unusual element is its versatility. A dry stream can be created on any site, regardless of the style of landscape design and the design of the main building. It practically does not require maintenance and looks good in any season.
In addition to its visual appeal, a dry stream performs several useful functions:
- serves as a natural disguise for utilities, while maintaining easy access to them;
- is a good option for decorating the height difference on the site (a stone stream falling from a hill looks very beautiful, and if you decorate it with flowers and shrubs, then you can create a real masterpiece that delights the eye every day);
- can serve as a drainage system for water drainage.
A dry stream that acts as a storm ditch can be placed along the garden paths. Thus, puddles will not appear on them even in the heaviest rain.
Design and materials
Like any other element of landscape design, the design of a dry stream should be carefully thought out. You need to create a drawing where you can sketch out the layout, make a list of materials and ornamental plants. If you have no experience with such calculations, then the task can seem very difficult. Nevertheless, it is quite real, just show patience and imagination.
Choosing stones
First you need to decide on the color scheme. Traditionally, dark stones imitate water, while large light cobblestones act as thresholds. If you prefer light blues, use basalt or slate. In order to make a composition in reddish or greenish tones, granite can be used, and limestone can be used to emphasize bright places.
To create a shimmery effect, place glass balls among the stones.They will beautifully refract the light of the sun, and in the evening they will add an atmosphere of mystery and fairy tale.
Streams with many bends and sleeves look much more interesting than straight stone channels. Place an island with flowers where the stream is widest, and decorate the banks with green vegetation.
Plants for a dry stream
In order to achieve the illusion of a water flow, use plants that in everyday life are associated with water:
- bamboo;
- miscanthus (Chinese reed);
- arundo reed;
- moss.
Flowers are best chosen in purple and blue tones. Mosquito grass, blue fescue, large-leaved forget-me-not flower (brunner) and lobelia are perfect. Multi-tiered flower beds, encircling the banks of a dry stream create the illusion that it is about to come to life.
Stone Creek is a great solution for decorating and zoning your garden. For example, you can separate the recreation area, barbecue area and vegetable garden. The construction of this unusual design element will not take much money and time, while your site will be transformed and sparkle with new colors.
In addition to the garden area, the stream can be used to decorate the territory adjacent to the main structure. It goes well with all styles of facades from classic to modern high-tech. Don't be afraid to experiment, because you can always change the filling or shape of the flow.