Sustainable garden design: reusing stone with gabion walls

Sustainable garden design is all about making thoughtful choices. Repurposing materials is one of the best ways to reduce waste and lower a project’s carbon footprint. In this blog, we explore how we designed a striking gabion wall as part of our recent Farmhouse on Ilkley Moor project, using reclaimed stone to create a functional and beautiful feature. If you’re looking for eco-friendly landscaping ideas that blend sustainability with distinctive style, read on.

Reusing stone in landscaping

As designers, we see an initial problem as an opportunity….

Our clients’ existing stone wall was more than just a physical barrier—it also obstructed the creation of a functional and desirable garden layout. This meant it had to go. But what do you do when a large, solid structure no longer serves its purpose? Simply removing and disposing of it felt wasteful. Could there be a more creative and sustainable alternative?

We quickly recognised that the stone itself complemented the vernacular of the house and garden setting. Rather than discarding this beautiful material, we wanted to explore how we could reuse it in a meaningful way.

The evolution of the garden design layout

As our concept took shape, we introduced a large, freestanding pergola—a key feature for gathering and entertaining, a space which was high on the client’s list of priorities. Defining different zones and functional areas is fundamental to good garden design. However, given the site’s exposed location on Ilkley Moor, the pergola needed some form of shelter and enclosure.

We considered various options, from hedging to walls and fence panels. But with a substantial amount of quality stone on-site, gabions emerged as the ideal solution.

Why gabion walls in garden design?

Repurposing the existing stone was the most sustainable approach, significantly reducing both removal costs and landfill waste. It also minimised the project’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for new materials and transportation. While the stone required sorting, cleaning, and some dressing, the labour cost remained far lower than purchasing new stone or building more traditional stone walls.

Set against the backdrop of the moor, the gabions and reclaimed stone blend seamlessly into the landscape, reflecting the rugged beauty of the surrounding terrain (genius loci). Over time, their nooks and crannies will provide pockets for plants to colonize and create valuable insect habitats.

"We see design opportunities when our clients don't know where to start. We love sharing our ideas and guiding clients on the various options so that they can make informed choices."

Garden Designer, Ilkley Skipton Otley Menston Bingley

Melissa Morton

Often associated with industrial or engineered settings, gabions can sometimes feel stark.

An oak top coping matching the pergola materials creates a function too – perfect for perching on, resting a glass, or placing a plate. This also softens their appearance for this party space, making them feel more inviting and domestic while adding practical value.

Key considerations when specifying gabions in garden design

If you are considering implementing gabions into your garden there are a few things to decide on in order to specify for accurate pricing by a contractor to build.

Gabion basket: description of chosen gabion walls with relevant British Standard, include size mesh and wire diameter. State what depth it should be bedded in the ground.
Gabion bindings: typically helical spiral binders are used to assemble the cages and connect adjacent gabions. Make clear that all wires must be engaged in every mesh aperture.
Foundation: state type, width and depth ensuring undulations minimised.
Fill material: we included the following in the packing material specification: repurpose cleaned existing rubble walling stone for exposed faces. These are graded 100-200mm diameter, with approx 6% of the stone being smaller or larger.
Packing technique: fair faced (hand packed on exposed faces). Graded to ensure voids within gabion are minimised to avoid settlement.
Coping: we developed a bespoke timber top for the cages, in collaboration with our contractors.

A fresh perspective

Designers bring a fresh pair of eyes to every project. Where homeowners might see an obstacle, we see an opportunity. By thinking creatively and prioritising sustainability, we transformed a challenge into a striking and functional feature that will stand the test of time.