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Building A Watercourse

By Shelly Garner

Every year in my garden I try to plan something different. Last year I built a pergola along the side of my deck. I have a grass pathway going around the deck with flowerbeds on the south and north, giving me one sun and one shade bed and the pergola has now made a ceiling along the path to the west, where I can plant climbing vines. My original plan was to just have one type of perennial vine along the whole thing. However I found some fun annual vines that grow very quickly and one extraordinary climbing rose I just couldn’t resist. I know that the experts suggest making a plan and sticking to it, but I am of the opinion that it’s much more fun to go with your instincts at the moment. A plan is good for a starting point however.

This year my husband has climbed onto the planning bandwagon. We have had a beautiful pond in the yard for the past couple of years, complete with plants and fish. Last year he hinted that a waterfall might be nice. This year he said, “Let’s make a water course.” He could get a little over-exuberant in the plans, so I have to be the voice of reason. The cost will also be a factor in the end, as it is not cheap to make a watercourse. There are, of course, many options for materials to use. Brian thought of concrete initially, but I don’t like using anything that cannot be removed or repaired easily. I also like things to integrate well with nature. I do have cement in my yard, but it is probably fifty years old, so it wasn’t by my choice.

I have decided to construct the watercourse that I found the plans for in the Reader’s Digest book, “Practical Guide to Gardening in Canada.” If there were only one book on gardening that I could own, this book would be it. It’s chockfull of information about pretty much anything to do with gardening. The watercourse that I have chosen is made with a flexible liner. I have a pre-formed pond already, which I will have to move in order to build the watercourse. I am lucky in that my yard has a natural downward slope, so I will only have to build it up slightly and move my pond down about 6 ft. (2 m). Remember, you will need enough space for a header pool, a planned route for the watercourse and make sure your bottom pond is even on all sides so your water does not run over the edges. We have picked a number of rocks up over the years by driving out on the country roads. I am disgusted when I see landscaping businesses charging for rocks when they are laying everywhere in the country.

These are the instructions for building the watercourse I have chosen to follow. Remember buying a good quality liner may cost more but in the long run will probably save you a lot of grief. Trying to find a leak and repairing it can take a lot of time and effort and a good liner can last for many years.

1. Build a soil bank to the required height and mark the shape of the watercourse. Working from the bottom, shape the steps and header pool.

2. When complete, compact the soil with the back of a spade. Remove sharp stones and line the course with a cushioning layer of polyester matting, (I use insulation), cutting it to fit.

3. Lay the liner in place with the bottom edge overlapping the pool. Cut to fit, leaving 12 in. (30 cm.) on each side. Smooth the liner into the contours of the channel.

4. Starting at the base, set rocks in place to form the steps. To prevent water from escaping, tuck in the liner edges behind the rocks. Backfill firmly with soil.

5. Continue working upward, arranging rocks and pebbles to form the falls and sides of the watercourse.

6. Position plants in the crevices between rocks to soften the edges of the watercourse. Bury the water pipe alongside so that it overhangs the header pool.

7. Disguise the end of the pipe with strategically placed pebbles. Finish off the construction with a 1 in. (2.5 cm.) layer of decorative gravel around the edges of the watercourse to create an attractive, natural setting. Check that the water flows at the correct rate and with the desired effect. Adjust the position of the rocks if necessary.

There are other methods of building, you can use pre-formed units or concrete, but if you want your watercourse to look natural, then my choice would be the way to go.

I can hardly wait to get out there in my yard and get everything going. This is the most exciting time of year for me. I hope all of you have a wonderful, prolific gardening year.

Remember: “All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God.” - Thomas Browne

“We cannot command nature, except by obeying her.” - Francis Bacon

“If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is nature's way.” - Aristotle

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. ” - John Burroughs

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Shelly Garner lives in Moose Jaw where she has resided most of her life. Married to Brian and the mother of four children, she is an avid gardener. “I love my yard, it keeps me sane in the summer. I love to open my freezer and have my own food, raised in my own yard, to have for our meal.” Many of her friends and family have benefited from her love of gardening and the preserving and freezing of her garden bounty. Shelly is a certified reflexologist, a part – time secretary for a local specialist, and a volunteer with local non-profit organizations that provide support to families of children with disabilities. Shelly is a regular contributor to Gwen’s Healing Garden Newsletter and writes gardening articles. She may be contacted at (306) 693-0571 or e-mail: vanadis58@hotmail.com

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