Water run off solutions
Gravel covers most of the backyard, with slim areas for decking and a walkway around the swimming pool (shown in the background). This makes almost all of the backyard able to absorb rainwater and complies with the city’s permeability requirements. Planted bamboo and low-water grasses add lushness to areas that aren’t covered in gravel or part of the river rock-edged water feature. Tip: For those needing a more solid ground surface than loose gravel, stabilised decomposed granite, pavers with gravel joints and porous concrete all provide stability while also draining run-off.
In the front entry, a walkway of concrete slabs appears to float over beds that function as rain gardens, which collect water and allow it to soak back into the ground. The beds are designed as water-moving swales or low tracts of land, amended with quick-draining soil and crushed rocks and planted with moisture-loving sedges, rushes, camas and irises. The swales collect, slow down and drain rainwater as it flows down the slope above the home. Using gravel for the driveway, rather than poured concrete, also helps rainwater to drain on-site.
Gravel back yard part 2 with water circulating creek and deck chairs.
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