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Turf wall

gillmcintyre105gillmcintyre105 Posts: 6
edited May 2020 in The potting shed
I'm looking for advice on the suitability of using turf within a gabion wall. We have laid the baskets and would like to line them with turf and backfill the container with a topsoil mix. We live on the NW coast of Cumbria and would like  recommendations for the most suitable type of turf for a coastal area. Also any other advice would be appreciated. 
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Hello Gill  :)
    Must admit this is a new one on me, l've seen turf grown on top of gabions but never used as a lining. I should imagine you'd need a pretty tough mix to be able to cope with the conditions you describe. 
    It's possible that someone on the forum has tried this and can advise,  failing that l would suggest that you contact a local turf supplier and see what they say.
    Do you have a photo that you could post, that may help in obtaining advice. 
    Good luck with it ! 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm not sure how the sides would work....
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Like the others, it's the gabion bit that is foreign to me.  Somewhere I once read that building a wall out of turf, grass sides down, in the shape of a square or rectangle and then filling the middle with manure, lawn mowings and anything else moist, would create a good site for growing marrows.  About 12 years ago I increased the size of my veg plot by slicing off turf before digging, and thought I might as well try it.  Result was a bumper crop of marrows. The walls had become 90% weed free in the process, so I used the soil they'd become, plus the contents, as an addition to the new plot.  It was a one off exercise, not repeated since,  but, if it helps?
  • gillmcintyre105gillmcintyre105 Posts: 6
    Thanks for your comments, I am attaching a photo of the baskets if this helps.  There is approx 6" either side of the centre block which I'd like to line with the turf and backfill with an appropriate compost. I will also contact  a relevant specialist now they are open again, there may be a particular type of turf which is more suitable. I'd like the wall to blend with the surroundings, while still providing a barrier.  :)

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think the main problem is that the sides won't get enough light for turf to grow well.
    A sloping side is easier because light can get in, but it's different with a gabion structure.
    Perhaps it would be better to plant the sides with suitable plants that can cope with the lack of light, although the side facing a sunnier aspect would possibly be ok. It would depend on what way it all faces too. The top would be fine being turfed, and you could add some appropriate planting into it as well - things like thrift, which also ties in with you being coastal.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • gillmcintyre105gillmcintyre105 Posts: 6
    I do like the idea of coastal planting, thrift sounds perfect.  I don't think light would be an issue, one side gets the sun in the morning and the other side in the afternoon. My main concerns are drainage, ie using the right soil base and getting turf that can stand up to the wind and salt. It's a bit of an experiment really, I will post photos as we proceed 🤞
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hope you can manage something @gillmcintyre105. It's a nice idea  :)
    Have you thought about how you'll cut it though - should it take well?

    Maybe a friendly sheep or two  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • gillmcintyre105gillmcintyre105 Posts: 6
    Im glad you mentioned that 🤔 there are sheep on the marsh that could graze the far side 🐑 May be we could get something that doesnt grow too long. It's not a formal garden by any means!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think there are certainly some varieties which might be more suited. It'll be a question of trial and error.  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Got me imagining things now... Erodiums and Festuca glauca?
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