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A Flat Twist on fencing in my own garden

May 5, 2025 | by Duncan Page

A Flat Twist on Fencing in My Own Garden

Today, I want to share a unique approach to fencing my garden—a “flat twist,” you could say—inspired by an intriguing idea I stumbled upon online. While my initial attempt was met with great success, a recent challenge has prompted me to seek your insights and experiences.

The Challenge of Wildlife in New Hampshire

In the beautiful, wildlife-rich landscape of New Hampshire, where we contend with black bears, porcupines, deer, groundhogs, voles, chipmunks, and squirrels, protecting the bounty of my berries and tomatoes has always been a priority. Instead of opting for the conventional approach, I decided to explore an unconventional method to deter these marauders.

The Unconventional Solution

You might be wondering why I didn't resort to the usual fencing methods as the owner of a fencing company. The answer lies in the urgency of the situation. When I moved to my new home, I couldn't find anyone available to install a fence in time for the gardening season. So, in my quest to safeguard my garden, I discovered a fascinating concept online: laying wire mesh fencing directly on the ground to create a unique and barrier-free solution.

Initially, the results were nothing short of spectacular. The wire mesh effectively deterred wildlife and safeguarded my cherished plants for two years, leaving fellow gardeners impressed. The ingenious idea seemed to work like magic—no posts, no gates, just a simple wire mesh laid on the ground.

The Theory Behind the Method

The core theory behind this method was that the animals disliked walking on the wire mesh and stayed on the other side of it—out of my garden. It was indeed a clever and low-maintenance idea, which is what initially drew me to it.

Facing New Challenges

However, as time passed, a new challenge emerged. Grass and weeds grew through the mesh, gradually compromising the once-secure barrier. This growth partially covered the wire and made it easier for the very animals I sought to keep out to access my garden once more.

Seeking Your Insights

I'm reaching out to you, our valued customers, because I believe in the power of shared experiences and collective wisdom. Have you ever experimented with a similar approach in gardening or farming? Did you face any challenges similar to those I'm currently grappling with? If so, I'd greatly appreciate hearing about your experiences and any innovative solutions or recommendations you may have.

Specifically, I'm interested in learning how you managed to maintain the integrity of the wire mesh fence over time, particularly in the face of grass and weed growth. Your firsthand knowledge will help me address this issue and continue to protect my garden successfully.

Join the Conversation

Please reply to this email or contact me directly at your convenience. Your insights and experiences matter greatly, and I am eager to engage in a fruitful exchange of ideas.

Thank you in advance for your time, expertise, and support. I look forward to hearing from you soon and continuing to grow and learn together as a community of passionate gardeners.

Of course, I did get the mesh I laid on the ground from Louis Page 😉️

Warmest Regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Unquestionably it’s been 130 years owned and run by our family)

Topics: deer fence, galvanized, fixed knot, deer and wildlife fence

Using Llamas for Protection

February 12, 2021 | by Joe Morrell

Protecting your Herd

A llama provides an imposing and somewhat foreign presence in the modern farmyard. They have an odd, disarming call that keeps predators at bay and sounds an alarm for your benefit--and for your herd's. In terms of protection, this is reason enough, yet this is only the beginning of their impressive credentials. Interestingly, llamas are respectful of a fence and their territory within it. You'll find descriptions of appropriate fencing for your barnyard below.

Llamas May Be Your Answer

Ranchers are overwhelmingly positive about keeping llamas, chiefly in economic terms: loss to predation is dramatically reduced, particularly for sheep farmers.

Llamas are naturally suspicious of and aggressive to dogs, foxes, coyotes, and wolves.

They appear threatening, have unique methods of defense, and are able to kill these powerful predators. The best specimens for guarding pastures are gelded males or females that have been bred and become protective. An open, fenced pasture is preferred, as hilly terrain can result in the llamas being separated from the herd, reducing protection. Llamas like to have the long view.

High Alert

You will find that their awareness of potential invaders is acute. They're constantly checking the periphery of your fenced area. Scan through this video and watch just a bit to see how alert a llama is while it surveys the area:

Behavior

Llamas make a welcome companion to your herd as they integrate with pasture animals naturally and in many cases simply become one of the herd. They are very tolerant of their field companions, working well with cows, sheep, poultry, and goats. However, in a shared pasture, goats have parasites that can be damaging to llamas, so this must be monitored. They can be attentive to lambs and particularly watchful of newborns. Ranchers generally report that their predation problems are completely or substantially eliminated. It is said by some that two or more llamas will sometimes bond with each other and ignore the sheep but this generally untrue. Llamas are social animals and should have at least one partner of the same sex--two females or two gelded males.

Llamas are not aggressive and are generally docile; often liking to keep a few feet of distance but not threatened by humans. They may spit when provoked. Their spitting is unpleasant, more like a regurgitation, but much more rare than thought, usually reserved for an extreme threat and rarely done to their near and dears--meaning you. Respect their need for distance or they may throw a sideways kick to warn you off.

A Few Basics

Their coat is not prized like that of an alpaca, yet does need to be sheered once a year. Also, their toenails--two on each foot--need to be trimmed every 2 to 6 months. Bred as guardian animals, they were also bred as pack animals and for pulling; llamas can carry a lot of weight and capable of traveling through rough terrain. And it may be interesting to note that they often choose one area for droppings in a field, and uniquely, these can be transferred straight onto the garden.

They beat guard dogs in these ways:

No barking at night
Respectful of fence boundaries and not interested in escape, unlike dogs
They eat grass; eating hay when there's no grass--usually whatever the sheep and cows are eating--as opposed to a dog which requires its own separate and costly feeding
Vet bills are few compared to a dog
They live longer than guard dogs--15 years and up

If You're Serious

Before you buy one, check out online sources and local want ads for free llamas. Due to varying circumstances, there are often free llamas available or some that are rescues. This cattle rancher has used llamas to great benefit:

Creating an Enclosure

An excellent choice for your pasture is sheep and goat fence, featuring woven 4" x 4" mesh. Made with 12½ gauge high tensile Class 3 galvanized wire for extra long life and rust resistance. Designed with goats and sheep in mind, this fence will work beautifully with the presence of a llama as it is a strong confinement fence. The 4" x 4" mesh deters sheep and goats from putting their heads through the openings. Vertical and horizontal wires are joined by strong stiff stay knots. These smooth-sided knots will not injure animals and give the fence flexibility, minimizing the potential for injury. This fence will conform to hilly terrain, thanks to deeply crimped horizontal wires. Consider Farm and Field Fence, Deer and Wildlife Fence, and Horse Fence as well, depending on your pasturing needs. Add a llama behind an excellent fence and enjoy the enhanced security for your flock and your peace of mind.

Topics: field fence, fixed knot, deer and wildlife fence, woven wire mesh

High Tensile Fixed Knot Fencing

August 10, 2020 | by Joe Morrell

High Tensile Wire: Impressive Benefits

Lighter in weight, but stronger (thanks to its tensile strength)
Won't sag; stays put
Less need for tensioning
Smaller gauge/diameter of the wire is more efficient (especially compared to heavier low carbon wire)
Though stiffer, ultimately, installation is easier because it doesn't have to be stretched as hard as low tensile wire; tension it and it's ready to go
Fewer posts are needed thanks to its strength and vertical stay wires
Springs back with animal impacts; it has give but retains its shape

High Tensile Wire: Thinner is Stronger

As you'll see toward the end of this video, four wires with a similar gauge have very different breaking strength based on the carbon content:

High Tensile Highlights

A fixed knot fence is effective on challenging terrain and remains rigid between posts. The .64% carbon content steel wire used in a fixed knot fence is noticeably thinner. However, strong as it is, this high tensile wire would be lost without a protective coating. This is why the requisite Class 3 galvanization, with its anti-corrosion properties, is added to offset steel's natural disintegration which enhances its cost-efficiency by delaying repair and replacement. High tensile wire is the choice when a long-term fence solution is required as it remains a strong, versatile answer to a variety of fencing needs.

Low Carbon Drawbacks

Now, low carbon steel wire is easy to work with as well, (also known as mild steel) but it is prone to sagging, stretching, and breaking more easily than high carbon-content steel wire. The carbon content for low tensile wire is roughly .28%; while this type of fence is common, it remains a shorter-term answer.

Installation

Here's a comprehensive how-to from Bekaert that details the installation of a fixed knot fence:

Topics: woven wire, high tensile wire, fixed knot

Deer Fence - Keep Your Orchard Safe

October 3, 2013 | by Duncan Page

Galvanized Wire with Secure Fixed Knot Construction

Deer Fence featuring fixed knot construction. Each vertical stay wire is tightly wrapped around horizontal line wires making a secure barrier fence. The joint acts as a hinge that gives under pressure, then springs back into shape. The Class 1 galvanized top and bottom wires are 11 gauge. The "filler" wires are 14-1/2 gauge. Galvanized wire resists weathering and normal wear and tear.

This fence was previously known as Poultry and Garden Fence. The unique spacing of the horizontal line wires keeps predators out of orchards, vineyards and gardens. The openings of the fence are graduated - smaller at the bottom, larger at the top. Wires are spaced 1" apart at the bottom, the top spacing is 4", and the vertical stay wires are spaced at 6" intervals.

Rolls are available in two different sizes:

60" x 165' - 2360-6-14.5 style
72" x 165' - 2672-6-14.5 style

Deer and Orchard Fence - Benefits

Economical galvanized fence
Larger 4" x 6" openings at the top
Smaller 1" x 6" openings at the bottom
Horizontal wires are crimped to allow for expansion
Woven construction enables fence to conform to uneven terrain
Ideal for keeping small critters away from where they're not wanted
Use for making a pen to protect rabbits, chickens and other small animals
Longer lifetime reduces frequency and high cost of repair and replacement

Deer and Orchard Fence - More Uses

Chicken runs
Rabbit enclosures
Garden perimeter fence
Nuisance wild life barrier
Wood post and rail fence backer
Protect fruit trees and berries from browsing animals

Deer and Orchard Fence is effective in a variety of settings!

Duncan Page signature

Topics: deer fence, galvanized, fixed knot, deer and wildlife fence

Goat Fencing Materials Considerations vs. Born Free

March 14, 2013 | by Debbie Page

Mr. Tumnus and Sherlock Holmes

When my son Daniel was 11 he announced he was getting goats. “You’re doing what?” I exclaimed. We had recently moved to a house on four acres in Massachusetts. He was looking at about two acres of grass to cut and being an entrepreneur at heart, he was determined to figure out the fastest solution to getting that job done. After much discussion, we headed to Crystal Brook Farm in Sterling, MA so Daniel could apply for a job. Ann Starbard, the goatherder and author of 'The Dairy Goat Handbook," hired him. How could she resist when he blurted out “I want to work for you and you don’t have to pay me.” That was the beginning of our life with goats and it all started with twins: Mr. Tumnus and Sherlock Holmes. Of course, before he brought the goats to their new home he needed a shed and a fence to keep them in.

Additions and Roaming

Then Ann gave Daniel a female goat for his birthday and no one bothered to tell me that she was pregnant! And true to many goats she had triplets: Amos and Andy and Abigail. And then there was Roo. Twelve years later we still have the original twins. Fencing them in and keeping them in has had its challenges through the years. Goats do roam and love to do it. They ate all my David Austin roses, our nice big strawberry patch, and my holly bush (with the most berries ever!) one Christmas. We found the weirdest streaks on our truck last winter: they had been licking the salt off the truck! I came home late one afternoon to find them playing in my neighbor’s front yard. Have you ever tried to get seven full-grown goats home? Without the neighbors hearing you? Not an easy feat. To a goat, the grass is always greener on the other side, especially after a New England winter.

Containing Them

There are two things you must accomplish with fencing in your goats:

Keeping the goats contained so you don’t lose your roses (or your neighbors' roses!) or expose them to potentially harmful shrubs such as rhododendron
Keeping your goats safe from predators: coyotes, for example

Thinking ahead:

Type of fencing
Land area you want to fence
Size of your herd
Terrain
Your budget
Do it yourself or hire someone

Options: Wire Mesh Fencing Materials

Fixed Knot
Electric fence, best used in combination with another fence
Barbed wire
Welded wire stock panels
Stay-Tuff's Goat-Tuff™ fence

Are you thinking about getting goats? Do you already have goats in your life? Just remember one of the important things Daniel learned: A good secure fence is a necessity.

Debbie Page signature Debbie Page picture