People have asked a few times for me to do a post about my stream, so I thought I would oblige. It's a disappearing stream, or a pondless waterfall, I've heard both of those terms used for this type of water feature.
It was built just a little over a year ago, by our contractor Chris Gilliam (the same guy who did our fence and built my freaking awesome potting bench). The construction started with a delivery of B-I-G rocks.
(Hope the video works)
Big pile of rocks
Chris used his backhoe to place a ring of rocks to make the waterfall.
At the opposite end, where the white underlayment is, there is a reservoir for the pump.
Waterfall in place
The stream used one very long, continuous liner
Once the liner was in place, Chris placed the big rocks very carefully along the edges.
View from an upstairs window
The liner was covered with river rock
After smaller rocks were placed along the edges, it was filled with water and turned on
Very dirty water
It was filled and then pumped out a few times, till the water ran clear.
Nice dark soil and compost were placed around it for planting
Ready for planting
Last year I planted Hakone grass, Persicaria, Geranium phaeum 'Samobar' and black mondo grass around the waterfall. I still haven't planted anything actually in the waterfall, to hide the plastic.
On one side of the stream I've planted red twig dogwood, Agastache 'Tutti Frutti', a couple of different Dianthus, some Lupines, Echinacea, daylilies, Shasta daisies, and Salvia.
On the opposite side I planted a Gunnera, some ornamental grasses, a small Indian plum and a Pacific wax myrtle.
I just finished planting some Euphorbias, grasses, primroses and Heucheras there amongst last year's ornamental grasses. I also put in my new witch hazel, and moved my Camella here so it would get a little more sun. The red stems just leafing out right in front are from a vine maple (Acer circinatum 'Pacific Fire').
The upstairs view now
Last year I tried planting some water-loving perennials like Lobelia cardinalis directly in the water of the stream, but the raccoons that come every night to play in it tore them out, roots and all, and chewed them up.
Remnants of chewed up Lobelia
They tried chewing on the marsh marigold, too.
But I've read it has a caustic sap, so I guess they didn't like it. Now they leave it alone. And fortunately, the roots of the Lobelia were intact, so I just cut the stalk back and planted it in soil in another part of the garden, and it lived! The marsh marigold should flower soon, it has completely recovered from its beat-down and it has lots of buds.
Here's the view now through the garden gate.
Here's the view standing up by the waterfall.
I wish I could make up my mind what I want to plant to hide the ugly plastic.
The view from the back porch, where we often eat dinner in the summer. It's a very pleasant spot!
