Dry stream does double duty: a streambed stops erosion and enhances the landscape

摘要

Few phrases are more likely to discourage a gardener than designated drainage easement." Today's trend toward building large homes on small lots, particularly in congested urban areas, has made that expression an all-too-familiar part of the homeowner's lexicon. Large-scale grading and the construction of impervious surfaces like terraces, roofs, and driveways drastically alter the natural movement of water across a site. New neighborhoods must then be equipped with networks of catch basins, buriedpipes, and open drainage swales that direct runoff away from homes. While these systems address hydrology issues, they create challenges when it comes to landscaping. Fortunately, there is a solution. A dry streambed--one that has water running in it only in wet weather--can secure the soil and direct rainwater runoff while turning an eyesore into an appealing garden feature.