- 1). Select the location for the bed and mark the outline using non-toxic spray paint. Make the bed approximately 3 feet wide with some variations in width. The river bed should curve in different directions with no straight lines.
- 2). Remove all vegetation inside the markings. Remove approximately 1.5 feet of soil. For a more natural look, remove more soil in some areas to create depth variation and to cause the "river" to slope away from structures. You can create an island in the bed by leaving a spot with higher soil.
- 3). Cut the dirt on the sides at a gentle slope with a spade. Sloped sides allow you to cover the weed barrier you'll be putting down with rock and look more natural.
- 4). Unroll landscape fabric or weed barrier along the bed. If it does not cover the width, overlap the barrier in the center. The weed barrier should cover the entire bottom and the sloped sides. Secure the cloth using landscape staples as needed.
- 5). Place boulders of different sizes randomly throughout the dry river. The boulders break up the uniformity of the river rock and pea gravel and add height.
- 6). Spread a layer of a mix of pea gravel, pebbles and river rock to a depth of about 3 inches. This will prevent open standing water and improve drainage while looking like a river bed.
- 7). Install native plants, such as grasses and ferns, along the edges of the dry river bed. Space the plants strategically on the banks in clusters to mimic nature. The plants' roots will help prevent erosion.
- 8). Plant a small tree, such as a river birch, shrub or group of plants on the island. Pull back the rock, cut an X into the weed barrier and dig the hole for the plants. Replace the rock around the base once planted.
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