How to build a dry creek bed with river stone

Plan where the water goes

Watch where water runs and pools in heavy rain, and follow that path. A creek bed should start at the wet spot and lead downhill to a safe outlet, such as a garden bed, a drain or a lower part of the yard. Gentle curves look more natural than straight lines.

Step by step

1. 01Mark out the creek with a hose or spray paint, wider in some places and narrower in others.
2. 02Dig a shallow channel about 200–300mm deep, with sides sloping gently towards the middle.
3. 03Line the channel with weed mat or geotextile to stop weeds and soil coming through.
4. 04Lay 40–80mm River Stone along the bottom and sides, about 80–100mm deep.
5. 05Fill the gaps and soften the edges with 20mm River Stone.
6. 06Add a few larger feature rocks at bends, and plant along the edges to blend it into the garden.

How much river stone to order

Measure length × average width × depth. A creek 10m long and 1m wide with 100mm of stone needs about 1 m³ of 40–80mm River Stone, plus roughly a third as much 20mm stone to fill gaps and edges.

Our river stone is supplied unwashed. It will look dusty when it arrives; the first rain or a quick hose brings out the colours.

Keeping it working

Clear leaves and silt from the channel after big storms so water keeps flowing, and top up stone that has moved. Larger stone stays put better in heavy rain than smaller gravel.

Common questions