What do I need to know to make the rocks along my stream edge look natural?

Submitted by Timothy Barker on Thu, 03/19/2009 - 22:29.

I want to place rocks along the stream edge and it seems no matter how I configure them they do not seem to look very natural. I've tried to not think to much about it and place them randomly as they may appear in nature, but something does not look right. Can you offer me any suggestions?

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Any formation of rock no

Submitted by David Barkey on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 05:24.

Any formation of rock no matter how layed out will look out of place when you first lay them out . What I have found through trial and error is to see the finsh product in your mind first. Start by laying out the rock as natural as you can, now stop walk away, get a friend ( a different set of eyes)to look at it and ask them if it looks right as if it was first thing in spring (when all veg. is still gone) . Make any change you think necessary for step two. Step two is adding veggitation allong the sides both in and out of the water. There are a number of stream edge plants to chose from and on the dry side that could be anything that looks good to you it that place . Last but very important sit back and wait for afew weeks for the plants to fill out . A liittle string algie will also go a long way in naturalizing the stream as it ages. Hope this helps . If this brings up more questions. I be glad to help in any way I can . In my blog are some pictures of my pond if that helps ,plus I have found inperation in others by surfin for pond pics.

Don't forget about the strata lines within the rocks

Submitted by Garth Epp on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 13:59.

Those are great comments David.

I would like to add another point to consider.

If the rocks you are using have strata lines (visible layers in the rock) it is important to make sure the lines are visible from the side and not from the top.

It is important to have all the layer lines run in the same direction. They need to be placed in visual harmony with each other.

It will also look most natural to have the strata lines level and not simply follow the slow of the stream or waterfall. This will require you to bury part of the rock and inset portions of them into the ground.

Check out my blog for how to edge your informal pond with landscaping rocks and stones.

I trust this makes sense and helps with your dilemma.

Garth Epp Publisher, BuildingMyPond.com

Thank you, that really helps

Submitted by Timothy Barker on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 15:50.

Thank you for the advise. David, I like your ideas. I think I was over analyzing it. The strata line stuff really ties it all together. That was also a key to my issue, I'll give it a shot and see what happens.