One can dream...

journey11

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(click image for tutorial)
Wouldn't this be nice? A backyard stream. I thought I'd share this link since it has such good step-by-step instructions. Maybe someone with a little more git-er-done than I have at the moment could build one!
 

journey11

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I was pricing stone for a new backyard fire pit at the build-it center the other day. A little steep for me right now and I figure this project would cost even more. I already had a stone fire pit back there of stacked sandstone I had pulled out of MIL's streambed and from my dad's farm. Moved all those around front to line my landscaping. Guess I'll have to go hunt for more sandstone. LOL
 

thistlebloom

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That's very nice, I'd love a water feature like that in my yard! And I'd just love to watch somebody build it for me. :D
There's just something about rock work that is so exhausting.
I guess it's the work part.
 

bobm

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Well Journey, I read the easy get er dun in 2 weekend step by step instructions for a guy and one gal to build. Well , I hate to burst the bubble.. I think that is just a dream. For starters, one would need a bank loan or a healthy bank account to finance this project . After I priced out the project I nixed the flowing water end of my stream and installed a "dry" waterfall at a pond and stream. What about digging a trench from a power and water source to the top of the stream bed water fall to power the pump and provide water ? That alone will require at least one weekend. Use a wheelbarrow to move a 2 foot boulder ( let alone a 1 foot one) by these 2 ? Get real... That would require 2-3 strong men to just lift it into a wheelbarrow ( which is unstable and may require a quick trip to the emergency room). I use a refrigerator dolly and a large chain to hold a 2 or larger foot boulder in place on the dolly to move that large a boulder. Etc., etc. ! The author makes it sound so easy as well as very fast to build ( just like those DIY install your own laminate floor commercials or any ready to assemble instructions ) but not so in the real world. :rolleyes:
 

Carol Dee

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I do love this, but must settle for the koi pond/water feature we already have. Kind of ran out of room and stone!
 

journey11

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Well Journey, I read the easy get er dun in 2 weekend step by step instructions for a guy and one gal to build. Well , I hate to burst the bubble.. I think that is just a dream. For starters, one would need a bank loan or a healthy bank account to finance this project . After I priced out the project I nixed the flowing water end of my stream and installed a "dry" waterfall at a pond and stream. What about digging a trench from a power and water source to the top of the stream bed water fall to power the pump and provide water ? That alone will require at least one weekend. Use a wheelbarrow to move a 2 foot boulder ( let alone a 1 foot one) by these 2 ? Get real... That would require 2-3 strong men to just lift it into a wheelbarrow ( which is unstable and may require a quick trip to the emergency room). I use a refrigerator dolly and a large chain to hold a 2 or larger foot boulder in place on the dolly to move that large a boulder. Etc., etc. ! The author makes it sound so easy as well as very fast to build ( just like those DIY install your own laminate floor commercials or any ready to assemble instructions ) but not so in the real world. :rolleyes:

Hence the chosen thread title... The time involved would be the the most prohibitive thing for me personally. I don't really need another big project at the moment.

But I think I could do it much cheaper using native stone for the larger accent stones, which is readily available and would look more natural anyway. Truckloads of various grades of gravel are very cheap at the stone yard where I get my mulch and the gravel for the driveway.

They did recommend using a two wheel ball cart in the Overview, btw.
 

Lavender2

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I've had the same dream for a while @journey11 ... I would LOVE a stream! If it ever stops raining and I get caught up with the weeding I will be back planning my pond and patio.

A few years back, the garden trade party I helped run was held at a different gardeners house each year, so we could tour different gardens. This was one of them ...

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The stream went down a slight hill to a garden sitting area down by a natural pond ... it was SO beautiful! Very nice people too, they always helped out and brought lots of plants to the trade. :)

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Smart Red

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I was pricing stone for a new backyard fire pit at the build-it center the other day. A little steep for me right now and I figure this project would cost even more. I already had a stone fire pit back there of stacked sandstone I had pulled out of MIL's streambed and from my dad's farm. Moved all those around front to line my landscaping. Guess I'll have to go hunt for more sandstone. LOL
Stop by. I have lots surrounding my pond that will have to go when I redo the area. Besides, I have a gully to the West that was quarried to build the foundations of most of the old houses in this township.
 

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