Gabions, or mesh baskets filled with a variety of materials, are gaining popularity in landscaping and garden design. Although initially used mainly in engineering construction, today they are also used in gardens, serving both a decorative and practical function.
Gabions consist of metal mesh or baskets made of galvanized or coated steel, filled with natural materials such as stones, pebbles, bricks or wood
© Lemon Gabions
What are gabions?
Gabions are mesh structures that are filled with stones, bricks, wood and even glass. Their main advantages are ease of installation, durability and resistance to weather conditions. Gabions can serve a variety of functions - from fences, to landscaping elements, to filling spaces in modern gardens.
Advantages of gabions
Aesthetics
Gabions are a stylish element of space design, which perfectly fits into various trends of landscape architecture. Their raw, industrial aesthetic makes them a great fit with both minimalist, modern gardens and more naturalistic spaces inspired by rustic or Mediterranean styles. In addition, gabions can be customized to individual preferences in terms of size, shape and type of filling. In their classic form, they are filled with stones - from basalt to granite to limestone - which vary in color and texture. However, other materials, such as decorative glass, fragments of wood or recycled bricks, are increasingly being used to create unique compositions.
Functionality
Gabions are a solution that also stands out for its extraordinary functionality. Their application is wide - from fences and retaining walls to elements of small architecture and landscaping. Thanks to their modular construction and the possibility of any shape, they can perform many practical functions. One of the most common uses of gabions is to create sturdy and durable fences and retaining walls. Their weight makes them ideal for landscaped areas, protecting slopes from landslides. Compared to traditional concrete walls, gabions are more flexible, making them better able to cope with ground settlement. They also have a natural ability to drain water, which prevents moisture buildup and damage to the structure. They also allow air to flow freely, making them more in tune with the garden's natural ecosystem. In addition, unlike traditional concrete walls, gabions are relatively easy to install and require no specialized tools or concrete. Thanks to their modular design, they can be quickly rearranged or moved to another location.
A variety of materials can be used in gabions, including glass
© Lemon Gabions
Ecology
Gabions are one of the more environmentally friendly ways to build fences, retaining walls and landscaping elements. Their eco-friendliness stems both from the type of materials used and their impact on the environment. Most often, stones, gravel, recycled bricks or other natural raw materials are used to fill the gabions. If the materials are locally sourced, this significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with their transportation. What's more, many projects use construction rubble or reclaimed concrete fragments, which reduces waste and fits in with the idea of sustainable construction.
Unlike concrete walls or impermeable fences, gabions allow water and air to flow freely. As a result, they do not interfere with the natural circulation of moisture in the soil, which promotes vegetation and reduces the risk of puddles or flooding. This is especially important in areas prone to heavy rainfall. Gabions can also become a refuge for various species of insects, small mammals or reptiles. The gaps between the stones create natural hiding places for beneficial creatures such as hedgehogs or lizards, and in wetter conditions can also become a place for mosses and lichens to grow, supporting the ecosystem in the garden.
Unlike wooden structures, which require regular painting and impregnation with chemicals, gabions are virtually maintenance-free. The galvanized or stainless steel of the baskets protects them from corrosion, and the stone itself is an extremely durable material that requires no additional maintenance. This means no emissions of harmful substances into the soil and atmosphere. In addition, if the gabion structure is no longer needed after years, it can be easily dismantled and the materials used can be reused in another arrangement. The metal baskets are recyclable, and the stones can be used, for example, to pave paths or fill in new structures. Thanks to all these properties, gabions are a great choice for those who want to harmoniously combine modern design with care for the environment.
Gabions allow water and air to flow freely
© Lemon Gabions
Gabions as an effective barrier against noise and wind
Gabions are an excellent solution for protection from adverse weather conditions and ambient noise. Thanks to their massive construction and densely packed filling, they effectively reduce sounds coming from the street, railroad tracks or neighboring properties. Stones or other materials used for their filling absorb sound waves and prevent their reflection, making them a great alternative to traditional acoustic screens.
Similarly, gabions provide a natural shield against wind. Thanks to their structure, they let some of the air through, but at the same time slow down its momentum, which reduces the force of gusts. Unlike solid walls or fences , gabions act as a filter, dispersing and weakening the force of the wind. This creates a more stable microclimate in their vicinity, which is especially beneficial in gardens and areas prone to strong gusts. In addition, they can also increase thermal comfort in the space where they are used - reducing drafts and improving conditions for plant growth.
Gabion structures protect against wind and noise
© Lemon Gabions
What materials are best suited for gabions?
Choosing the right materials for gabions is crucial to their durability, aesthetics and functionality. The construction of gabions is based on welded or woven steel mesh. Hot-dip galvanized mesh or mesh coated with a special anti-corrosion coating (e.g. ZnAl or PVC coating) works best, which protects the metal from moisture and weathering. The high quality of the wire and the thickness of the protective coating affect the life of the structure. Robust gabions can last up to several decades without maintenance.
For infill, natural stones are most often used, as they have high weather resistance and high durability. Popular choices include granite, which is extremely hard and available in various shades of gray, pink and red. An equally durable material is basalt, distinguished by its dark, elegant appearance. Sandstone, with its warm shades of beige, yellow and brown, will be perfect for natural arrangements, while light, creamy limestone suits more modern spaces. Pebbles, which are smoothed, different-colored stones that give gabions a more organic feel, are also an interesting choice. To ensure the stability of the structure, it is important to choose the right size of fill. The stones should be larger than the mesh, that is, at least 6-15 cm in diameter, which prevents them from falling out.
Gabions are most often filled with natural stones such as granite, basalt or sandstone
© Freepik
In addition to stones, other materials can be used in gabions to give them a unique look. An interesting option is wood, which blends well with the natural surroundings, although it requires proper impregnation to resist moisture and pests. A more modern effect can be achieved by using tempered glass, especially if the gabions are illuminated. Brick and brick rubble are great for industrial-style arrangements. They give the structure a warm tone. In more austere, minimalist designs, concrete elements will work well, which, combined with metal mesh, create a cohesive, modern whole. In addition, the filling can be enriched with decorative materials, such as expanded clay or bark, which allows you to achieve remarkable visual effects.
Gabions as elements of small garden architecture
Gabions are not only solid fences or retaining walls, but also an excellent material for creating original elements of small garden architecture. Their strength, natural appearance and ease of arrangement mean that they can serve as both practical and decorative structures that blend harmoniously into the garden landscape.
Gabion benches and seats
By combining stone-filled baskets with wooden or concrete seats, you can create durable and aesthetically pleasing benches that are ideal for the garden. Such a solution is extremely stable and resistant to weather conditions, while not requiring frequent maintenance. In addition, they can be matched to various design styles - from rustic to modern.
Gabion flower pots
Gabions are also great for pots and raised beds, which can serve both a decorative and practical function. Thanks to their design, they provide excellent conditions for plants. The stone walls heat up during the day, which is favorable for thermophilic plants. In addition, gabion pots are extremely durable and are not damaged by moisture or frost, making them much more resistant than wooden boxes or ceramic containers.
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Durable flower pots can also be made from gabions
Garden fireplaces and grills
You can also build a sturdy garden hearth or grill from gabions, which will become the focal point of the rest area. The stone filling of the structure effectively absorbs and gives off heat, which makes such a hearth not only impressive, but also functional. It is an excellent alternative to traditional masonry hearths, offering a unique, raw design.
Gabion steps and walls
In areas of varying heights, gabions can serve as stairs or low walls that help level the levels in the garden and create striking transitions between different green zones. Their natural appearance blends perfectly with the vegetation, and at the same time allows you to create stable, long-lasting structures without the need for concrete foundations.
Gazebos and pergolas made of gabions
Those looking for non-standard solutions can also use gabions for gazebo walls or pergolas. The combination of steel mesh filled with stone with wooden beams or metal structures gives a modern effect that will work well in both minimalist and natural garden arrangements.
Gabions can also be combined with wooden structures
© Lemon Gabions
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
