Gabions are basket walls that are filled with all kinds of stones. They are a popular garden design item because they are easy to assemble. If the structure of these elements seems too dull, you can use plants to brighten things up.
How to green gabions?
Gabions can be planted with climbing plants such as wild vine, climbing roses, clematis or ivy. Side planting is possible by inserting coconut or fleece mats, filling with soil and embedding rock garden plants. The crown can be designed with hardy cushion perennials, ornamental grasses or raised bed plants.
What you should pay attention to
Moisture quickly accumulates within a planted structure, which accelerates the corrosion of the wire baskets. Rust can develop here within ten years. Without vegetation, rust infestation progresses about three times slower. To prevent such weathering processes, baskets made of stainless steel are recommended.
Green fronts
Garden design with gabions allows for a lot of creativity. Climbing plants such as Virginia creeper, climbing roses, clematis or ivy are ideal if you want to hide the baskets behind a green curtain. The plants use the trellis as a climbing aid and break up the linear structure of the objects in the garden.
How to plant gabion fences on the side:
- Line wire mesh baskets with coconut or fleece mats (€34.00 on Amazon)
- Fill cavities with potting soil
- Cut holes in the mats
- Embedding rock garden plants and evergreens from the outside
Planting the crown
Fill the fences two-thirds full with stones, leaving room for soil or planters. If you fill in a substrate, you must line the wire baskets with a water-permeable fleece. There are special double-walled models that have recesses for filling in potting soil.
Planting with ornamental plants
Winter-hardy upholstery perennials such as blue cushions, rock garden plants or ornamental grasses find a perfect habitat on such an object. The prerequisite is that the species are heat-loving, frugal and drought-tolerant. The soil loses nutrients over the years. Therefore, plant heavy-feeding plants such as pennisetum or asters first. From the third year onwards, candytuft or lavender, which are medium-feeders, feel comfortable on the substrate. They are replaced by weak-consuming azaleas and primroses.
Tip
Low gabion fences provide an ideal raised bed that you can plant with hanging strawberries, fruit bushes, herbs and vegetables while protecting your back.
Green Dice
If you line the mesh baskets with sod and fill the cavities with soil, a natural picture is created. Here too, the top can be designed as desired. Greenery with applied turf appears particularly simple.
