HOW TO BUILD NATURAL GARDEN STREAM WITH WATERFALL+LIGHT+CROSS PATH+BOULDERS+LINER+POND-PUMP+FEATURES

Hi Guys, here is Carl the landscape guy. Today I want to show you step by step how to build an 18 meter long stream. I hope you like my video and that it helps you with your own project. In any case, I would appreciate a "thumbs up" and a comment from you. On my channel you will find more of my videos about gardening and landscaping, please take a look and if you like it, please subscribe! Thanks for watching and see you next time!

Hi Guys, this is Carl your landscape guy. Today I want to show you step by step how I built this 18 meter long stream. The view on this plan shows that the stream runs from the right, past the terraces enclosed by the stone garden and all the way to the left into the sump container. The integrated natural stone crossing allows easy access to the lawn area from the terrace. Of course, several dams are built into the stream, which is crucial for pleasant water splashing. The water is carried from the sump container by a pump back up to the beginning of the stream. The sump container is equipped with an overflow, so that excess rain water is drained into the next trench. A natural terrain gradient is present on this private property, so that a stream can be perfectly integrated into the environment.

First, the rain barrel is installed, marking the lowest point of the stream. I chose a stable 800 liter rain barrel. Before putting it in the ground, I provide the container with an overflow, so that the excess water can be removed under controlled conditions. For this purpose, a suitable hole is cut into the side to fit the PVC pipe which is sealed from the inside with silicone. Now the container is installed into the soil with a layer of gravel underneath to make it stable. It is important that it is leveland at the correct height. In this case, a groundwater pipe is connected to the container, so later there is consistently enough clean water available for the stream. Before using ground or rain water for streams or ponds, the water should be tested for components because some substances can harm bodies of water and their inhabitants. The overflow is connected to a ditch and then everything is again filled with soil.

Now the terrain can be roughly modeled with the excavator, and a lot of manual work is saved this way. One can now imagine where the water will run later. Now we continue at the upper end of the stream. From here we’ve begun to form the riverbed. Old paving stones are set in concrete to ensure that the water level has a stable bank and is kept straight. Then the stream can be cleanly molded in between that. Also in this area, a pipe is placed for the supply of ground water, so that it can be used later to either lead directly into the sump or to feed the stream.

The riverbed is prepared to be naturally wider in some parts andnarrower in others.

Don't forget to install cables now that you might need on the other side of the stream later.

In the locations where dams are to be built, a small cross trench is first excavated. Then paving slabs are mounted edgewise. This can be set in concrete for better support, if needed. Down the slope of the terrace it's set up the same way at the water's edge.

Now the concrete water edges can be made on the dams too. That prevents heavy boulders from sagging later, which could cause water loss.

The rain barrel sits purposely much deeper than the terrain, and then the old paving slabs protect the soil from sagging into it.

The little bit higher edge of the paving stones here means that later the water will flow towards the center and into the rain barrel.

Now the hose to the pump must be laid. It is placed behind the shoreline from the reservoir up to the beginning of the stream. It is important to make sure that the hose is not squashed or kinked.

Protruding corners of the dams are to be grinded off. Thus, the liner can lie properly without severe tensions later; also wedges are set into the barrages with concrete.

The rain barrel won't be visible later and will disappear under the stones. So this grille made from a galvanized piece of fence keeps stones from falling into it. To protect the stream liner, the river bed is first covered with old pond liner pieces and fabric. Then the new liner can be installed in one piece. I make sure that the liner isn’t too tight and doesn’t have too many wrinkles.

On the rain barrel, a hole is cut into the liner at the center of the barrel. Then the galvanized steel fence is placed on top.

A piece of pond liner is used as a protective layer to build the stone crossing on. Now natural stones are picked out with a flat finish and set in concrete. Later, the water among the stones will have to flow through, so I pay attention to sufficient distance.

The top surface of all stones at the path should be installed at the same level to contribute to a harmonious picture on the path.

The four waterfall-dams are also set in concrete. This requires a certain eye and experience for the right setting of matching boulders so that the water runs over them the right way later.

Once the concrete is cured, I continued to place boulders into and around the brook by using the largest stones first. Before laying the smaller stones I install the electrical appliances and run the wires on the liner. I connect an aquamax 6000 pump to the hose and place it on the bottom of the barrel. Also I set up 3 waterproof lights to illuminate the brook.

All cables are centrally routed to the FM-Master making everything switchable to the remote control later.

The liner should no longer be visible later on, so more stones are placed in the stream. But before that, selected locations are arranged with aquatic plants.

Outside of the stream, a concrete mow strip lined with brick is now set. The gentle curves adapt with the harmony of the water and contribute to the overall theme.

Between the flow of the stream and the mow strip, weed control fabric is put down, for the plants’holes are cut into the fabric before planting. Then, the fabric is covered with Rhine gravel. For a natural appearance rhine gravel is also distributed between the boulders in the stream.

Around the area, a little soil work is now still necessary. After the floor is spread, and the soil is worked to the correct height of the mowing edge, the lawn can be sown.

Finally, the pleasant sound of running water on the terrace and in the whole garden creates a pleasing atmosphere.

All of the visitors to the stream enjoy the natural surroundings.

The Japanese style of the winter garden was chosen and redefined by the stream with the rock garden and appropriate plants such as pine, lavender, pieris and grasses.

At dusk, a subtle lighting system works in conjunction with the faint murmur of the brook for a pleasant mood.

I hope you liked my video and perhaps it helped with your project.

In any case, I would appreciate a "thumbs up" and I look forward to your comment.

On my channel you will find more videos about gardening and landscaping, please take a look and subscribe if you like it.

Thanks for watching and until next time,

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