IN the world of landscaping, gabions rock — literally.
The name may not be familiar, but who hasn't seen the rock-filled cages that form the retaining walls along the side of motorways?
In fact that's where the name comes from — the Italian word "gabbione" meaning "big cage".
Armies have used them to shield artillery crews since medieval times and Leonardo da Vinci designed one for the base of a castle during the 1400s.
The wealthy cottoned on to their usefulness as boundary fences a few years ago, but more and more "mere mortals" have started to use them as sculptures, planters, seats, fire pits and water features.
They're a good DIY option when it comes to creating a stable brick wall, and the cages are reasonable in price, starting at about $20 for 30 centimetres cubed.
Fillings don't have to be limited to rocks either.
Some people vary the charm with pipes, tyres, tiles and logs.
Add a touch of nature with some plants in the gaps and it's a great retaining wall, boundary fence or . . . anything.
