Gabion, a landscape trend in the making, uses wire baskets filled with rocks to make a distinctive-looking retaining wall. Gabion has been used for thousands of years all over the globe. It is now becoming a popular choice in residential landscaping throughout the US. Gabion is a beautiful, cost-effective, and attractive addition to any yard.

What is Gabion?

Gabion, which derives its name from the Italian gabbione, means an enclosure that is filled with inorganic materials. While rocks are the most common option, bricks and concrete debris can also be used. It is important to fill the baskets using local, attractive materials. While wicker cages were once popular, wire is preferred due to its durability.

Ancient Egypt was the first to use gabion-type structures. Gabion was used to protect the banks of the Nile from erosion around 7,000 years ago. It was used as a military fortification in medieval times. Later, gabion was used for engineering projects. These included the foundation of San Marco Castle in Milan, highway stabilization, and retaining walls in construction projects all over the world.

Gabion is both beautiful and sustainable. Gabion does not require mortar or concrete and can be made from discarded rubble left over from local excavations. Gabion is extremely affordable and often costs less than the wire cages.

Gabion is durable once it's in place. The permeable loose stones can be washed away by the metal cages. Gabion is flexible to ground movement and will remain beautiful for many generations.

DIY Gabion Basket Ideas

Gabion can be repurposed for many purposes in the garden, such as:

• Retaining walls: Gabion walls were originally designed to retain slopes. They are still used in residential landscaping. The stone texture and wire baskets give the stones an industrial look.

• Benches: You can create modern, beautiful benches by tucking gabion boxes underneath a stone slab or polished wooden board.

• Gabion cages can be used to edge flower beds. This DIY project is affordable and looks great with industrial, rustic, or modern home designs.

• Gabion planter boxes are easy to construct. First, construct the wire cage. Next, place a block made of polystyrene at the center. Add a flower pot to the top and fill it with stones. Fill the clay pot with soil, and then plant the flowers.

• Visual statements: Stone is a beautiful color and texture that compliments the foliage well. Gabion is a great garden accent whether it's used as a decorative column or backdrop for landscape art or privacy walls.