This past week while Mr. Decor and Sweet Guy were away my BFF Tracy flew in for a quick visit. She possesses a wonderful green thumb and we decided to transform two areas in the backyard of Storybook Cottage. Here is how to Create A Simple Dry Riverbed.
Create A Simple Dry Riverbed
This is a sort of semi “BEFORE” photo. I only remembered to take a picture after two hours of weeding.
We also removed two crepe myrtles from the area. They had been planted by the previous owners and were struggling in this all shade area. They are now happily growing in a neighbor’s sunny yard.
A clean planting surface.
Create A Trench
After all the weeding and tree removal the soil was fairly loose so we shoveled out a shallow trench and lined it with weed barrier. (This is available at most home and garden stores.)
The design for the rock bed was a diagonal layout from one corner of the bed that split into both sides of the tree base and continued on to the other corner. It took eight bags of rocks to fill the trench. Four of the bags were leftover from a landscaping job my wonderful neighbors, Jim and Darlene had done and they graciously gave me their leftovers.
TIP: The four remaining bags were purchased for half price at Home Depot. This was due to the bags being split open during the shipping process. Ask your home and garden store if they offer the same great deal. It requires a bit more effort to transport the open bags but well worth the cost saving factor.
Surround The Bed With Plants
I wanted a base of perennial plants that would provide greenery and seasonal blooms year after year. We selected a mix of hydrangeas and hostas. In between, we placed colorful coleus. Coleus is considered a perennial in the zone that I live in. If you live in an area that freezes they are annuals.
I plan on filling the wee wheelbarrow with colorful blooming annual flowers that will be changed out seasonally. Or perhaps filled with pumpkins in the fall.
But what a difference in the AFTER!
Reality check: the makeover took approximately eight hours of labor. The plants and hardscape materials came in a little under $200.
We’ve moved on to a second area and I will share that in the near future.
Laura
That really looks nice. So much more interesting than the before…
What a lovely improvement! I can just imagine how “fall” it will look with pumpkins in the little wheelbarrow.
Love how it looks Laura. We have several dry riverbeds and they are awesome. I can also picture your cute little wheel barrow filled with seasonal decor items. I wanted to let you know, you are a no- reply blogger.
Really pretty, Laura! 🙂
Great transformation. I love your idea with the rocks and all your plant choices. Of course, that little wheelbarrow is too cute!
Isn't it amazing how long it takes to really do things right!!!
What a great transformation! I love the look of a dry riverbed.
That looks amazing, Laura! Love that you and your BFF spent time doing something like that. My BFF would think I was crazy if I invited her to work in the yard. 🙂
What an amazing transformation! You put in a lot of hard work, Laura, but it certainly paid off! I'm sure your neighbors will be envious!!
It looks fantastic. Love the little wheelbarrow and can so see it filled with pumpkins in a few months!
That looks so pretty! Want to come do my yard?
i just love what you've done! Yesterday we were at a stony beach to pick up stones for another project, but I would love to do something like this.
It looks just beautiful, Laura! I love the plants you chose and that beautifully colored rock. Yes, even the smallest landscape projects can be expensive. It was really nice that you got part of the rocks from your neighbor and a discount on the rest. Way to go! I always look forward to seeing your projects. 🙂
Have a great week, my friend!
Hugs,
Denise at Forest Manor
Your transformation is incredible, Laura!! I can't wait to see it fill in and also to see what you put in the wheel barrow. Great job!
Interesting! It looks beautiful ♥
summerdaisy.net
Laura
I think you , Laura and Stacey have a three way tie for gardener of the year! This project is beautiful! And what a sweetheart of a friend to help you with the transformation!
Gorgeous! What a great idea, so creative! I'm looking forward to seeing makeover #2!!
What a difference a day can make! How sweet of your friend to help you transform that area. I'm looking forward to seeing the other area too!
Wow, what a difference! Very attractive, great job!
Jenna