7 Unusual Facts to Know About Using Gabions
A gabion is a cage that is made of wires or sometimes steel, which are made into containers that hold stone, sand or even soil with the aim of preventing soil erosion on gardens and roads. This civil engineering structure has for an extended period been used in military applications, landscaping, and road building among others. Recent indications point to situations where these structures are finding their way into more gardens which point to increased soil erosion activities. Here are seven unusual facts about these structures that will convince every gardener to have one.
1. They are Environmentally Friendly
Gabion walls are some of the most environmentally friendly soil protection methods as they only use natural materials for installation. It is a long-lasting structure that can last for many years without requiring any maintenance or construction. The fact that you don’t have to maintain the structure several times in a year makes it friendly to the surroundings. You will also find that small animals find shelters in the gaps between the large rocks used in making this structure. Gardeners can consider gabion for upcycling purposes where they fill with all the stones and bricks from demolished buildings.
2. They are Versatile
You will be surprised to find that these types of structures don’t only work as walls or fences. Sometimes these structures are used to make a garden column full of flowers, raised beds, and sometimes hideaway for rubbish bins. Recent trends have shown that gabions are currently used in interior designs different homes. There is no limit to how you can use these types of structures, and it will all depend on your creativity. You can go further and fill the structure not only with natural stones but empty bottles as well. How about going an extra mile and using rainbow plastic balls for an aesthetic design?
3. They are Not Complicated
One of the other unusual property that you should know about these structures is that they are uncomplicated. You don’t need specialized or professional training to assemble these types of structures. There is no training required but the will and passion for joining the wires together and then filling with natural materials. For example, spiral gabions can easily be assembled without any special skills or advanced tools. Additionally, the robust materials used in making gabions don’t require any care or maintenance. These walls do not have to be trimmed unlike other green walls or other garden fittings.
4. They are Practical
The practical nature of the gabions makes them an important structure that you can have in your garden. Some of the benefits that you will gain from these structures include noise protection, wind protection, and privacy among others. They are mostly used as the end piece of the terraces and fences in the design of the garden. If they are made with natural stones and empty glasses or bottles, they form an essential and eye-catching design in your home walls or gardens. Another extra benefit that you will gain from these natural structures is that they will absorb and store heat making it conducive for you to spend a chilly evening sitting on the warm stones.
5. They Originated from Roman Military
The other unusual fact that you should know is that the Roman military invented gabions. They were used to protect the Roman soldiers against the weapons thrown to them by the enemy soldiers. The big stone wall blocked all the arrows, spears, and fireballs that were directed to the Roman soldiers. However, the technology has spread and is currently used in protecting soil erosion and for garden walls. Surprisingly, gabions are still used by the military to shield themselves against gunfire from enemy soldiers.
6. They are Not Expensive
If you would like to make stone walls around your home and garden, you can do that quickly and cheaply. You will only be required to get some wires, assemble natural stones, and arrange the rocks so that they do not leave huge spaces. You will not need additional costs to maintain this wall only that continuous filling will be required as some of the stones you will be using will weather and decompose with time. No expensive tools or professional experience will be required to assemble a simple gabion wall.
7. They are Robust
Materials used in making gabions are robust and long-lasting enough such that you will not need new ones after a short period. Some of the wires you will be using are galvanized which protects them against corrosion from acids from the soil or tree roots. Moreover, the stones that you will be using are weather-resistance, and they will maintain their vitality for an extended period.
