Home Landscaping Ideas With Rivers

Retaining Wall

Creating a retaining wall for your riverbank will shore up the actual ground of your property and create a visual aesthetic. If you want a more natural look and feel to the wall, uncut stone will provide the aesthetic you seek. Manmade products like bricks give a more formal look to your finished wall. Cut stone can also provide a formal appearance. Materials supply companies carry a variety of bricks and rock.

Lighting

Lighting enhances a watery environment. Select landscape lighting to follow the riverbank. If your lighting will not touch the water, simply install outdoor landscape lighting. If your lighting will, however, be very close to the water's edge, purchase and install underwater lighting. During installation, strategically place outdoor lighting where it highlights the curves or movement of riverbank.

Pathway

Creating a stone or rock path leading to the riverbank adds beauty and definition and provides ease of access. Clearing away and creating a level path makes it much easier to navigate your way to your waterfront shores. You can try flagstone or other stones or paving bricks.

Plantings

Adding natural plantings to the riverbank can contrast existing surroundings with a splash of color and create a relaxed atmosphere for a riverside respite. Flowers and bushes commonly found near a shoreline make for an appealing visual effect and can also provide privacy by creating a barrier from onlookers. Find plants that need little, if any, care and that thrive in or close to an aquatic environment.