- Working Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Skill Level: Beginner
The art of the gabion (a metal cage that holds stones) has been gaining popularity in the United States. Long used in Europe and Australia, gabions form table and bench supports, modern retaining walls, fire pits, and planters. For this twist on a gabion, all you'll need is three sturdy wire tomato cages, fieldstones, and a round paver for a top. With a few cuts and a few stones, you'll have a trendy, durable stand that creates vertical interest in the garden. To save money, you can use stones from your yard or buy small river stones in bulk from a quarry. Other possible toppers for your DIY plant stand include a piece of weathered wood, a round metal tray, or a scrap of slate. This planter takes only about an hour to make, but it can last for years in your garden.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Protective eye gear and gloves
- Bolt cutter
Materials
- 3 4-foot-tall heavy-gauge wire tomato cage
- 16-gauge stainless-steel wire
- 250 pounds of 6- to 8-inch fieldstones
- 10-inch-diameter paver
- Planted container
Instructions
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Nest Cages
Invert the three tomato cages and nest them. Turn each cage to create even grid openings. Wrap 4-inch lengths of wire at a few intersections around the cages to secure the gabion together.
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Cut Off Cage Legs
Wearing eye protection and gloves, use a bolt cutter to nip all the spiked anchor legs. Trim the legs to be even with the top ring. Even cuts will help ensure that the planter top stays level and sturdy.
Related: Tomato Cage Plant Stand
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Fill Cage
Set the gabion cage in place and fill with fieldstones. First place the largest stones in, then arrange smaller rocks to fill the space without large gaps.
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Top With Paver and Planter
Center a paver on top of the filled tomato cages. Place a planted container of your choice (consider using a Better Homes & Gardens planter sold at Walmart) on the paver.
Editor's Tip: For a more refined look, or to add color, fill the gabion with stainless steel garden globes instead of rocks. You can find globe sets with various sphere sizes online or at nurseries. The globes last for years and can be used for future projects.
