A backyard creek calls for family and friends to sit and enjoy the sounds and scents that surround the outdoor oasis. Landscaping ideas for backyard creeks can increase the aesthetic as well as the sound of the outdoor water feature. While a small creek, waterfall or other water feature that flows in your outdoor living space is beautiful all on its own, adding rocks, plants and decor can significantly improve it.
Landscaping Backyard Creeks With Rocks
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A creek that winds its way through the backyard has more than likely already carved a unique and attractive path. However, adding rocks and boulders to the banks can significantly enhance the natural water feature. Add flat landscaping boulders over the edge of the running creek to create areas to sit and watch the water flow. This also creates shaded areas for fish, frogs and other wildlife that inhabit the creek.
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If you have the space, a few well-placed boulders can create a rippling effect and increase the bubbling and tumbling sounds of the water. Make sure to have an area that is large and deep enough to hold any water that may back up behind the boulders. Choose boulders that are not too large that they will cause the water to stop flowing or significantly reduce the natural flow. Rocks that are too large or piled heavily in a major flow area can cause flooding and other problems around the creek.
Plants to Populate the Banks
Small flowers, ground covers and larger blooming shrubs and evergreen trees can add color and pizzazz to a plain creek bank. Choose plants that do well outdoors in the region and are not affected by rising or falling water levels. Also consider whether the area is in sun or shade to narrow down your plant choices, fitting the right plants with the right lighting conditions. Native plants along the banks of a creek can also stop fertilizer and pesticides from surrounding lawns and landscaping from flowing into the natural water feature.
Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum, USDA zones 3-11) and blazing star (Liatris spicata, zones 3-8) are hardy and can offer pops of color. Marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris, zones 3-7), calico aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, zones 4-8) and other ground covers will give a lush look to the creek as they cling to the soil and hang over the banks and trail into the water.
Shrubs and trees can keep soil from eroding from the edges of creek banks. Make sure your chosen bushes or trees, such as mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia, zones 4-9) or white spruce, (Picea glauca, zones 2-6), work well for the space and the area.
Decor for Backyard Creeks
The backyard creek is often a destination for anyone visiting. Make the area as comfortable as possible for daydreaming and exploring. Place a wooden bridge over the creek to create a place where you can go to watch the water or to cross over to a patch of grass with low-lying lounge chairs, a swing or other relaxing and comfortable furniture.
Create a miniature magical land with fairy houses, miniature ladders, slides and bridges over rocks to spark the imagination of kids of any age. Large glass globes or gazing balls nestled along the grasses of the creek banks will reflect sunlight during the day and moonlight at night.