Stream -- with cement in need of camouflaging

Shelly H
by Shelly H
Hi all -- this is a new place and there's a nice stream in the backyard. However, as you can see by the photo, there's a great deal of cement visible. I was hoping to get some ideas on vines, flowers, etc. that grow relatively quickly, with little watering -- and, could possibly grow along the cement. Any ideas or tips would be most appreciated. I'm in Utah -- so it hits the high 90's to 100's during the summer.
  11 answers
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Apr 30, 2014
    It looks to me like you have an excellent spot for Rhus aromatica "Gro-Low," a low-growing cultivar of sumac. It was designated a "low water use" shrub in the Utah Botanical Center's water-wise house project, and is on the recommended plants list from the City of West Jordan. Please do keep in mind that even the most water-thrifty plant needs regular watering to get established.
  • Brenda De Lair Brenda De Lair on Apr 30, 2014
    Would it be possible to place some pond plants in the stream? Plants that like soggy feet, could be planted in pots and placed in the water. It could be very interesting if you combined that with some planted above the stream that will hang and form a green water fall. Keep us posted please.
  • Annie Annie on Apr 30, 2014
    Here is a link for Utah Native Plant Society,that way you could help wildlife and fix an eye sore :) http://www.unps.org/index.html
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Apr 30, 2014
    I think a Yucca plant or two would look very pretty planted in that "V"...it would lend an exotic feel to this space and they love sun! The one called GOLDEN SWORD is pretty too! I just happen to love these plants!
  • Carole Alden Carole Alden on Apr 30, 2014
    Do those have a gate to keep children from being pulled under those? We've had several deaths here in Jackson, MI before they took them out.
  • Shelly H Shelly H on Apr 30, 2014
    I will be going to the local nursery this evening to scope out your suggestions! I thank you for your insight. The water picks up quite a bit when there's a rain -- cause it's a the foot of a mountain. So, I don't think much could survive in terms of pond features. I had thought of planting some small pots at the base of the cement w/ vine-like plants -- with the hope that each would drape down and maybe grasp adhere to the cement. Yet, I want to see what you all have suggested. There aren't screens installed -- I'll have to check on that. There aren't any kids in the area but, it would be a good thing to check on nonetheless. Updates to be provided soon. And, I'm looking at the Native site. :)
  • Carole it appears that these are the discharge side of the pipes so no need for those grates as you rightly suggested. I would first check with the local township regarding any plantings around a drain system. They may have special rules regarding what can be placed around them.
  • It would be great to put some Japanese iris along the sides too. And how about an ivy to grow down along the cement walls.
  • Mary Thorne Mary Thorne on May 01, 2014
    I like the cascading look of Hakonechloa.
  • Joanna Carrisal Joanna Carrisal on May 01, 2014
    You could plant yellow and pink lantana about 8" from the concrete. It grows pretty quick and wide. I would not plant anything that will grow down into the culvert. That could cause problems for you in the future.
  • Charlene Charlene on Dec 28, 2014
    Acorus is variegated & likes wet feet, spreads controllable, looks great in mass plantings, only about 12 inches at tallest.