Gabions

Looking for a different style for raised gardens or bank stabilization? Gabions are a great sustainable option that is also nice looking and a good focal point. Gabions are wire cages filled with rocks, looking more natural than concrete and using materials you may already have. Concrete is carbon intensive and gabions are a great alternative. Concrete uses fossil fuels in production, as well as emits carbon dioxide while being made. Gabions are also a flexible option, especially if the ground is uneven, the wire can be formed to fit the landscape, as well as the ability to be curved and rounded. They also allow for water drainage so you will not end up with pooling water or an over-saturated yard. You also do not need to worry about cracking, as the material is able to be flexible.

To get started on adding a gabion wall to your yard, you can use stakes to map out where you want your wall to run. Remove any grass and weeds, along with the topsoil layer. If your ground is hard, you can start your wall right onto the dirt. If the dirt is loose or soft, you will want to dig down a couple of inches and stabilize it with gravel. You can get preconstructed cages, or build them yourself with galvanized wire. Cut out the size and shape desired, then use galvanized wire to connect the edges to the base. Fill with rocks bigger than the size of wire you chose, then once again use wire to connect the top of the cage.