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I learned the hard way about the power of water. Until about a year and a half ago I gardened on a mountain ridge lot, sloped gently from left to right. It was gorgeous, until a house was built next door and everything the builder did directed water toward my place. At the time I was a novice gardener (20 years ago). I lost more mulch, plants and soil than you can imagine. I finally realized that I could direct the water where I wanted it to go, and at the same time add an attractive feature to the garden. I purchased river rock to lay 2 or 3 different dry creek beds. They worked well over the years unless we had torrential, long lasting rain. Then I would occasionally have to do some cleanup. I swore that if I ever moved it would be to a flat neighborhood. Well... we built a new house in a neighborhood where we really want to live. You guessed it ... as the house was going up we realized we were going to have a water problem in heavy rains. So, before we ever finished the house and started the landscaping, a lovely dry creek bed went in. As it turns out, it is always a what visitors point out and comment on how lovely it is. I even put a small wooden walking bridge over mine. Grandkids love that.
Would love to see photos of your project. Had our place 30 years. About 10 years ago, had a situation like yours of having a house built behind us and redirecting waterflow, causing problems with our foundation We've added a drainage swale all around the house and had to change soil level next to our foundation the entire perimeter of the house. We have not added stone because soil continues to be gradually washed down on us from above and afraid we'd have to remove stone every few years in order to prevent soil from filling up our drainage swale. We have spent countless hours and dollars on this. Now to the point of putting in stone walkway from back door to detached garage and need some ideas as to safe and attractive manner to cross the swale.
