A small waterfall establishes the beginning of the stream.

Additionally, a controlled flow of water goes OVER the wheel to sustain its rotation.

Special valves are required to lift the water over the wheel.  The volume of that water (weight) turns the wheel at a speed proportional to that volume.  The most pleasing motion of the wheel results from a nice slow rotation. 

To achieve that effect, a small "timing" wheel is utilized.  A series of screws secured about the circumference are counted by a sensor that, in turn, controls the volume of water metered over the wheel.  The RPM of the wheel is thus maintained at a controlled rate.  The moving stream and rotating wheel together achieve a pleasant equilibrium and tranquil feel.

An attractive bubble rock is the beginning of a secondary flow (underneath the wheel).

The "Lookout" project inspired the desire for a large waterwheel (separate project discussion) and an artificial stream.  Once the wheel was attached to the Lookout, the construction of a free flowing stream was undertaken.  The vision was a small waterfall, a meandering stream with overhead water to turn the wheel, and a final pool.

The stream and its associated features is just one more area of respite designed to satisfy the garden visitor's quest for tranquility and appreciation for all that grows at HostaAlley.

Ground excavation was required to establish the route of the stream.  Once the earth was contoured satisfactorily, old carpeting lined the stream bed.

Atop the carpeting is a 45 mil poly liner.  The carpet cushions the liner to help prevent penetration by rocks or roots.  The stream terminates in a small pool at the lowest elevation.

Rocks gathered from various places on our acreage were then strategically placed to imitate a natural stream bed.

A seating platform is nestled between the wheel and final pool for the visitor's relaxation.  A long freestanding wall separates the stream area from the greater woods, adding a degree of intimacy.   The view from the Lookout balcony is also a welcome vantage point.  Various plantings and hard scape outline and naturalize the setting.

The Artificial Stream

When the water in the final pool reaches its prescribed level, it overflows into a filter system to remove any debris before it returns to its source - - the buried water tank.

The first step of construction was the water source itself.  A 550 gallon spherical water tank was buried downhill (at the lowest elevation).  A snorkel with lid rises up to the surface to provide access.  Within the tank is a submersible pump capable of supplying about 40 gallons per minute of flow.  Water is pumped uphill to a control station and is subsequently distributed into three flow streams.