Big Splash on a Small Budget: DIY Creek and Pond in San Mateo

Barbara Carey and Mike Phinney built a natural-looking creek and pond in San Mateo for about $500 and three days of labor. Except for rocks (selected for best lichen growth), all supplies came from a home improvement center, including a rigid preformed pond shell. Creek bed uses pond liner and stones; some mortared for smooth ledges. A pump in the 90-gallon pond sends water up a flexible pipe to the creek’s top. The pond is unfiltered; Mike flushes it periodically, retrieving toys and leaves. Papyrus, white bacopa, pink penstemons, and grasses soften edges.

Barbara’s advice: “Don’t rush to dig. First, consider your point of view.” Orient the waterfall to be seen from a patio or favorite room.