Northside Stream

Dry stream in a difficult to mow spot

This customer on Des Moines North side was one of several referrals from a previous DIY customer.  She didn't exactly know what kind of landscape she wanted, but knew she wanted something lower maintenance with environmentally friendly native plants and to utilize the city's Stormwater Program.  

At the site visit and consultation where we discussed existing landscaping, what was to stay and what was open for redesign, we came up with a few ideas to put to paper and begin planning.  Eventually we ended up with a dry stream to move rain water from the downspout away from the house and into a series of infiltration pools along the way.

We didn't have a lot of space to work with so a full rain garden wasn't going to be possible between the fence and sidewalk.  Between the fence and garage was shady, tough to maintain and not very usable space.  Outside the fence was just a bit of grass that was begging for a makeover.

Before - along the sidewalk and behind the fence

Another challenge was the concrete walkway right where we needed to move the water.  But we've played that game before 💪😀

Trevor and Jimmy got this!

Remove the existing vegetation, form the channel and pools...

The dingo was made for tight places like this

Tweak the grade, armor the channel and drops, backfill with designated soil blend and start planting...

Just have to water everything in and put the fence back together,

almost there

...and we're finished!

Final Rain Garden Basin and Overflow

The flowers, grasses and sedges in the final basin will reduce the maintenance back here, infiltrate runoff and provide a beautiful approach to the garage as well as habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

" Thanks, Jeff!  Love it! "

I love how it turned out too!