The Fence Post

A Dog, a Whistle, and a Fold

Do you have a dog? What’s your favorite thing about having a dog? The breed, the companionship, the faithfulness? So many things endear us to our beloved dogs. Whether you have one or many, dogs are fabulous to have around.

The Magic of Working Dogs

Working dogs are a breed of their own, and if you’ve ever had the privilege of watching one work, you will be amazed at what they can do. We arrived at an ancient sheep farm to spend a few days in the English countryside. It was May, and everywhere we looked, it screamed out Spring!

We spent the day sightseeing in the area, and in the late afternoon, the farmer asked if we wanted to go with him to the back pasture to herd the sheep. We jumped into the blue Volvo Sedan along with the border collie and headed over stones and stumps faster than I would have dared to go. I bounced up and down in the back seat with the dog, who was not in the least phased by it.

Herding in Action

Once at our destination, the farmer dispatched the dog to gather the scattered herd and guided them towards the farmer standing at the entrance to the stone wall fold. The dog crouched and ran, crouched again, and ran to the left and right, all the while following the whistles and commands of his master.

Once the sheep were rounded up to the master, they began pushing and shoving their way into the fold for the night. The dog was brilliant at herding them. There were about a hundred sheep, and the farmer announced one was missing.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“I counted them,” he said.

I was utterly amazed. The farmer, the master, counted them, but they were squeezing and pushing, and I saw a blur of creamy bleating wool in my eyes!

The farmer left the sheep in the fold, looking for his lost sheep. We didn’t walk too far before he heard the bleating. The little lamb had slipped down a steep embankment about six feet below us. He climbed down, put him around his neck, and brought him safely to the fold. It was a sight I will never forget. The shepherd rescues and tenderly cares for his lost sheep.

A Dream of Sheep and Dogs

Since then, I’ve dreamed of having my sheep and border collies. I’m determined to make this happen. My area has several sheep farms, and I’ve had the privilege of watching collies herd and gather, drive, flank, and hold the sheep. I don’t think I would ever tire of watching this.

My little black poodle, Phoebe, though I adore her, will need to give room to the new puppies someday. She’s smart and the fastest dog I’ve ever seen, but she doesn’t have the instincts of a herding dog.

I want the dogs, and I’ll need a handler for them as well. Best find the farm first, build the fence, and then get the dogs and the sheep. I’ll be putting up a sheep and goat fence. It’s the perfect permanent fence for sheep. We sell a top-quality, Made in USA product. Check out our Sheep and Goat Fence.

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (It adds up to 131 years owned and run by our family. Think about it: Nobody stays around in business that long without really supporting customers so they want to come back!)

Blue Reflections but Not What You Think

Nestled snugly across the street from a body of water that straddles the line between a pond and a lake, my house provides gorgeous views of nature's embrace. Despite its official designation as a pond, I often find myself referring to it as a lake, a testament to its grandeur and the majesty it bestows upon our surroundings.

A Curious Sight

On a mainly cloudy and overcast Saturday morning, I embarked on a journey from my driveway, setting my sights on the day ahead. As I cast a glance towards the pond, a curious sight greeted me—swathes of brilliant blue dancing upon its surface, seemingly at odds with the gloomy forecast overhead. It was a puzzle begging to be solved, a riddle of nature's making.

Intrigued, I found myself pondering the source of this unexpected burst of color. Casting my gaze skyward, I beheld a canvas dominated by thick, grey clouds punctuated by fleeting patches of blue. Yet, in the pond's reflection, the azure expanse stretched far and wide, painting a picture of serenity and optimism.

A Different Lens

Recollections of an old adage spoken by Duncan, a sage in his own right, flitted through my mind. "There’s enough blue for a pair of Dutchman’s breeches," he would say on such days. It was a reminder to see the world through a different lens, embrace the unexpected, and find joy in the simplest of moments. It’s flipping life on its end, coming in through the front door instead of the basement door, seeing the glass as half-full instead of half-empty, and choosing to find the good in someone instead of the bad and ugly.

Buoyed by this empowering perspective, I embarked on my journey, my destination the botanical garden I talked about yesterday. The garden sits up on Tower Hill overlooking the Wachusett Water Reservoir.

The Journey and the Fences

Along the way, the sight of fences punctuated my travels, each one a witness to human ingenuity and the myriad purposes they served. From weathered remnants of old farm fencing adorned with rusted barbed wire to meticulously crafted privacy fences guarding suburban sanctuaries, each structure spoke volumes about the intentions of its creators.

Dogs, horses, goats, and sheep—all found refuge behind these barriers, while others served as guardians of privacy, safety, and security.

As I continued my journey, the diversity of fences served as a poignant reminder of the multiplicity of human endeavors, each reflecting our desires, needs, and aspirations. Indeed, in the tapestry of life, fences are but threads, weaving together the fabric of our shared existence. And so, with each passing fence, I found myself not only traversing physical boundaries but also exploring the depths of human imagination and endeavor.

Explore the World of Fencing

How would a fence make your life simpler? More secure? More fun? Explore the world of fencing I offer at Louis Page. My experts are waiting to help you!

My warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Uh, that’d be thirteen-point-one decades owned and run by our family!)

Creating a Tower of Beauty Out of...

It’s definitely still winter in New Hampshire, although the snow has melted from under the evergreens up on the hill. My yard is still white with no bare patches. But Spring is coming. I feel it in the air. I see it in the brighter, higher sun. And I see the top layer of ice on the pond melting. The ice on the ponds and lakes is still frozen, thick enough to support the weight of the ice fishermen. I have a feeling this may be their last weekend.

A Visit to the Orchid Show

Looking for a way to embrace the coming of Spring, yesterday, I went with my friend to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill to see the orchid show: over 2000 orchids on display! The display was splendid and definitely worth the hour-and-a-half drive from New Hampshire to Boylston, Massachusetts. By the way, this botanic garden was voted Best in the US! It did not disappoint and was a balm to my “I’ve been shut indoors for way too long” soul.

Inspiration from the Botanic Garden

Having been in the fence industry for 12+ years means my eye always looks for fences and uses for the wire mesh we sell. Duncan trained me to do this. As we would travel the unbeaten paths, he often pulled over to get a closer look at the fence he saw and snap a picture. At first, this seemed a bit comical, but I was embracing the same notion before long.

What I saw yesterday was unexpected and a pleasant surprise. The botanic garden has two indoor spaces for lush tropical plants, trees, and shrubs: the Orangerie and the Limonaia. Both are welcome on a cold or rainy day in February! The Orangerie is my favorite. The large wooden trusses, which look like Douglas fir to me (but I don’t know this for a fact), are majestic and raise your eyes to the peak of the building. Of course, being a conservatory, the entire structure is constructed of windows: walls and ceiling.

The entire conservatories were radiant with brilliant orchids. The colors ranged from bright yellows and magentas to fire orange and white. Everywhere we turned, there was a profusion of blossoms. The artistic arrangement of the orchids was mixed with bromeliads, ferns, and other evergreen plants. There were towers of plantings, including cylindrical towers about six feet tall. I began to look closely to determine the structure of the towers. And here’s where the surprise came. The inner workings of the towers were half-inch hardware cloth. What a clever use of this sturdy wire mesh. Like a doting grandmother, I turned to my friend and said, “We sell this!”

Creative Uses for Hardware Cloth

Hardware cloth has many practical uses, including keeping small rodents out of the garden or barn and from under your deck. Last year, while staying at The Swag in North Carolina, I discovered another use. I’ll talk about that in another email.

Creating beauty is one of my core principles of life. My ABCs are “Always Be Creating”™. A couple of years ago, I wrote an article on this topic. It went viral!

The sparrow netting I talked about last week would also work for creating your majestic tower garden. So why not buy a roll and build a tower garden and a canary cage? I’m continually looking for creative ways to use wire mesh, so please reply and let me know how you plan to use it.

Embracing Creativity

My “warm” regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (You can add it up: That’s 131 years owned and run by our family)

Exclusive Announcement: Elevate Your Crafting with Martha Stewart's Choice – Our 22 Gauge Sparrow Hexagonal Netting!

I was not working at Louis Page when Duncan, former proprietor and my now late husband, came home with quite a smirk one afternoon. “What?” I asked.

He just grinned.

“What?” I asked again.

“Guess who called us today. And I took the call. An employee of Martha Stewart’s!”

What?? I was so excited, I could not contain myself. (Side note: I was a massive fan of Martha Stewart in her prime. I had every cookbook, discussed her recipes with my best friends, Carol Ann and Marilyn, and tried almost her entire repertoire of dishes, especially her desserts! And Duncan was a huge fan of my cooking.)

A Dream of Canary Cages

As Duncan told me the story, I immediately said, “Well, I need to build a canary cage!”

“Whatever for?” he retorted.

“Because I am getting canaries.” And so I began to envision Duncan building me a cage, and then having gorgeous canaries singing in the house. Duncan wasn’t all that keen, but he never pooh-poohed my ideas. “And their yellow color is spectacular,” I added.

Somehow, I never got my canary cage, but it’s never too late. I’ve reserved my roll for this very project. Duncan is no longer here, but there are plenty of people in my quaint New Hampshire town that will build me my canary cage.

Martha Stewart's Endorsement

So, just imagine our delight back then when Martha Stewart, the epitome of style and sophistication, handpicked our 22 gauge sparrow hexagonal netting for her cage venture – crafting exquisite canary cages! This prestigious endorsement speaks volumes about the caliber of our product, one that you can enjoy too.

Here's the real treat: in appreciation of your steadfast patronage, I’m excited to include Martha Stewart's meticulously crafted canary cage plans with every order of our renowned 22 gauge hexagonal netting. These plans, curated by Martha herself, promise to unlock new dimensions of creativity and finesse in your projects. Or at least, give you the ability to have a quality replica of her birdcage design.

Empowering Creativity

At Louis Page, we take immense pride in empowering our customers to pursue their passions with confidence. Martha Stewart's seal of approval serves as a beacon of inspiration, igniting a spark of creativity in every artisan and hobbyist who chooses to work with our products.

Special Offer on Hexagonal Netting

So I am also lowering the price on this special line this week, but only up to Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern.

It’s 22 gauge with ½” openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long. You can use it for Martha’s Canary Cage design, or:

• Control a variety of smaller livestock while protecting from vermin and feral animals
• Make a trellis ready for Spring planting
• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Sparrow barrier under your eaves
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

OK, this is what I will do: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll include Martha Stewart’s plans AND give you 20% off. Order the whole lot of what’s left (less than 3 dozen rolls at time of writing) and save 25%. Don’t wait until Friday when there may be none left - go to our website here now!

Common Traps to Avoid When Putting Out Cash For a Fence

When it comes to enhancing your property, few improvements offer the versatility and functionality of a well-designed fence. Installing a fence can be a significant investment whether you want privacy, security, or simply want to delineate your boundaries. However, before you embark on this project, addressing some key questions is essential to ensure you make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

Key Questions to Consider

1. What is the Purpose of the Fence? Before diving into fence options, consider why you want to install one. Are you primarily interested in enhancing privacy, securing your property, or adding aesthetic appeal? Identifying your primary objectives will guide your decision-making process and help you select the most suitable type of fence, avoiding waste and regrets.

2. What are the Local Regulations and Zoning Laws? Before installing a fence, it's crucial to research local regulations and zoning laws governing fencing in your area. These regulations may dictate fence height, material, and setback requirements. Failure to comply with these rules could result in costly fines or the need to remove and reinstall the fence, so it's essential to address this aspect early in the planning stages.

3. What Type of Material Should I Choose? Fences come in various materials, each offering distinct advantages in durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Standard options include wood, vinyl, metal (such as aluminum or steel), and composite materials. Consider factors such as climate, maintenance preferences, and budget when selecting the most suitable material for your fence. You will probably be looking at it for a long time!

4. How Much Maintenance is Required? Maintenance requirements vary depending on the type of material you choose for your fence. While some materials, such as vinyl, require minimal upkeep and are resistant to rot, insects, and fading, others, like wood, may need regular staining or sealing to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. Factor in the long-term maintenance commitments associated with different materials when deciding. Think about it: How do you want to spend your future weekends?

5. What Style and Design Will Complement My Property? Fences contribute significantly to your property's curb appeal, so choosing a style and design that complements your home's architecture and overall aesthetic is essential. Whether you prefer a traditional picket fence, a sleek modern design, or something in between, consider how the fence will integrate with existing landscaping and structures. Don’t set yourself up to be apologizing for the next 20 years.

6. How Much Will It Cost? Installing a fence can vary widely depending on materials, fence height, linear footage, and labor costs. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors to compare prices and ensure a fair deal. Remember to factor in long-term maintenance costs when evaluating the overall affordability of different fencing options. The wisest man who ever lived once said, “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and figure out the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not have the funds to finish it, and all the onlookers might start to ridicule him.” Of course, exactly the same can be said of a fence.

7. Can I Install the Fence Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional? While some homeowners may have the skills and tools necessary to install a fence, others may prefer to enlist the help of professional contractors. Consider your DIY abilities, the project's complexity, and the time commitment before deciding whether to tackle the installation yourself or hire a professional. Remember that wire mesh rolls are tightly wound on machines and will retain their memory. A tight, rigid fence must have the correct tools to stretch the wire. No wobbles!

8. How Long Will the Installation Take? The timeline for installing a fence can vary depending on factors such as the size of the project, weather conditions, and contractor availability. Discuss the estimated timeline with your chosen contractor to ensure it aligns with your schedule and expectations.

9. What are the Environmental Impacts of Different Materials? Consider the environmental implications of the materials you choose for your fence. Opting for sustainable materials or those with minimal environmental impact can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more eco-friendly outdoor space. Or not.

10. Are There Any Additional Considerations? Before finalizing your fencing plans, consider any additional factors specific to your property or location. This may include easements, utility lines, or neighborhood covenants that could impact your fence installation. Addressing these considerations early will help streamline the process and avoid potential complications. Whew!

Conclusion

It’s easy to see that installing a fence is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and planning. Addressing these essential questions before embarking on your fencing project ensures that the result meets your needs, enhances your property, and provides years of enjoyment and functionality. Whether you want to add privacy, security, or curb appeal, a well-designed fence can transform your outdoor space and add value to your home.

Once you have it figured out, naturally I think you should get your fencing materials here.

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Indubitably that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)