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Dry pebble stream

RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
in Problem solving
What ho one and all,

When we landscaped the garden, my wife (who is Japanese) wanted a Japanese style , dry pebble stream.  As it happens, it does take a bit of water to a pond when it rains, but for 99% of the time, it is dry.

However, over the years, it has filled with leaves, washed down earth, etc and now is growing moss and weeds with virtually no pebbles in sight.

I am uncertain as to the best way to revive it?  Ideally, all the pebbles need to be removed, washed and put back, but I'm not sure the best way to achieve that.

Any thoughts or ideas would be most welcome.

Thanks and toodle pip

Rex

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    Methinks you already know the solution:
    "Ideally, all the pebbles need to be removed, washed and put back,"
    Devon.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Power washer (not too powerful a setting) ? One of those weed burning torches ?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Remove the pebbles, wash them, clear out the leaves and weeds. 

    Maybe, replace some or all the pebbles with larger pebbles that don't have as many opportunities for gathering soil and weeds. 

    In future, clear leaves and weeds as you see them.   Think of it as weekly dusting and vaccing so there's no need for a major spring clean.....   Chopsticks may indeed be useful for the smaller weedlings.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Yes I agree I am afraid there is no other way but to lift them out as others have said. If you do it together it won't take so long. Re-use the moss elsewhere don't discard it.
    AB Still learning

  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145
    pansyface said:
    Tell your wife that you would like her to demonstrate the use of chopsticks to you and, when she accepts the invitation, lead her slowly and gently by the hand to her dried up river bed, point to the leaves and other junk, and ask her to get going.

    Her idea, her problem.
    How helpful.
  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145
    Rex, we have a not too dissimilar scenario with a long border out the front of cobbles. Same problem of leaves which eventually rot down. I use a garden blower to try and keep it relatively clear and this stops some of the breakdown but inevitably it needs a more robust clean-up every couple of years. I made a frame about 200mm high that sits just inside the wheel-barrow. The front edge is supported by the sloping front of the wheelbarrow and the rear is supported with a couple of legs about 200mm or so. On the base of the frame I attached a welded wire mesh panel. I chuck the cobbles in the frame and a quick squirt with the jet washer and the dirty water sits in the barrow. It's still a pain but is the best system I've come up with yet.
  • RekusuRekusu Posts: 125
    Dave,

    I like the idea.  Think that is the best way forward.  The 'stream' was laid with geo-textile but that just allows the silt to build up and the various weeds and seeds love it!  

    I did consider hiring a concrete mixer but separating the pebbles from the dirt when emptying out would be a problem.  At least that would clean the pebbles nicely.

    Thanks to all for your comments
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