Cedar Hill Farm and Gardens

Createk Water Features - Cedar Hill Farm and Gardens

2011-03-30T12:59:00.001-07:00

Feel free to contact Cedar Hill Farm and Gardens at 603-770-2456 or email me at WiseL@comcast.net

Createk Faux Granite

2011-03-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Its an official sign of spring here when the snow has gone and its time to carry out my Createk faux granite birdbath and key stash! I am still in love with Createk's products as I was back in 2004 when I first used them.

Perfect for sliding over your septic pipes, well heads or anything unsightly you'd like to cover up! Or, just use one in your garden design.

This artificial granite boulder is so light, it can easily be moved during landscaping and mowing, but looks just like natural stone. Our boulders come in several different sizes, colors, and shapes to match your landscape. We can also custom make your stone with your address, name, or company logo or design etched on the front.

Don't be fooled by cheap imitations being sold! Compare sizes and check out the weight difference. These are not plastic! These are top quality faux boulders - We can customize colors to match your stones as well!

Createk is unique and has many advantages because it is:

Virtually weightless! It is only about 2.25 lbs per sf, and can therefore be easily installed and trasnported.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
UV resistant and has a Class 1 Fire Retardant Classification.
Easily power washed without changing the color or contour, so it will never need to be repainted or touched up.

I fell in love with this company quite by accident. My husband and I are builders of custom homes specializing but not limited to reproduction style houses. Landscaping was challenging with septic pipes, well heads, and propane tank covers. We quickly placed our order!

Shortly thereafter, we had Createk make us faux granite panels to hide the cement foundations. It was worth every dollar spent!

This company is not like the box store suppliers! They have a resume like no other. From the T-Rex Cafe at Disney World, Fl, museums, to Cabelas Retail in CT & ME - they've done them all.

Email me at WiseL@Comcast.net or call at 603-770-2456

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things....

2010-08-24T05:38:00.001-07:00

Fall is the time for harvest. It is a time to rejoice after a spring and summer of laborious hard work with a beautiful bounty. Tiresome hours of manipulating the soil for a great crop, trying to outwit mother nature's rasp of disease and insects. Our harvest is our trophy.

Both my mother and father taught me how to garden. Not through books and boring lectures but by their actions and passion. My father actually had an article written up in a Portsmouth, NH paper. "The King of Compost", which he was. He may not have the most ideal setting for his garden, but he can produce organic crops for sure. Buckets of coffee grinds picked up from local coffee shops, as well as egg shells - nothing goes wasted. He is a fine example of "going green" before it was hip.

With fall comes the sense of urgency, like squirrels gathering nuts when the crisp air starts to settle in at night.

Autumn is bittersweet for what lays ahead in New England, I think that's why we are blessed with such a spectacular season both weather wise, and its gorgeous pallet of scenic vistas.

If you ask most who left New England, fall is what they miss the most, I know I would.

One of my favorite fall flowers is the Sweet Autumn Clematis (scaling the edge of my house in the photo on the right). The smell is like no other. It blooms for a long period of time and gives the illusion of a snow covered vine. I would suggest everyone have at least one in their landscape. These are beautiful tumbling over a split rail fence.

Don't be worried if there are no signs of SAC in the spring. She puts on such a show so late in the year, she tends to be lazy waking up. Also - do not cut back this twiggy vine in the spring. It will come alive...I promise you.

Thank you for letting me ramble... once again.

To Garden Or Not To Garden, That Is The Question

2010-08-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

Twelve years ago while out going to yard sales I came across a beautiful reproduction Royal Barry Wills Cape Cod style home surrounded by lush perennial gardens. I instantly knew I was going to like these people and we were quick to start up what turned into being a full day of bonding. We shared gardening tips and tribulations. She was kind enough to dig up a few runaway favorites for me to take home. She was also quick to give me some advice on her crucial mistake. Although her yard was gorgeous, she wishes she had not done quite so much. As time had gone on, splitting daylilies, hostas, and other perennials turned into another garden, and another, and another. She went on to say, "Whatever you do, do not garden yourself out of your home like I have. Doing so takes a hobby, a love, and a passion and turns it into an overwhelming chore, wiping out all the fun."

Well, wouldn't you know, I have done just that. Now, I haven't gotten so bad as the need to move yet, that's for sure, but it is with great sadness that this fall I will advertise to friends, family, neighbors and perhaps even a Craig's list posting to please bring shovels and help me put my gardens to rest. With these tough economic times I have been forced to go back to work, not only full time, but full time along with many other small part time jobs as well. I can not bare to look out my windows or drive up my driveway and see the deterioration of my gardens any longer.

In my opinion, a reproduction home can be just as beautiful and true to form with a simple lilac (my favorite, Miss Kim variety that stays low and compact) at the corner of the house, and a clump of daylilies by the granite steps (make sure they are one of the many new reblooming varieties).

I will try to take photos throughout this massive undertaking. I think in the long run my gardening skills would be better served growing vegetables and fruit trees for our family.

Wish me luck!

Timeless Treasures

2010-08-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

The latest rage.....

To future trends.....

To timeless treasures....

Dog Days Of Summer

2010-06-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

I never thought much about an adage until I lived on a farm.

In Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb

Like a Sitting Duck

Hog Heaven

Got all your Ducks in a Row?

Dog Tired

Dog Days of Summer

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Sick as a Dog :(

Love Birds

*Ok so you know and I know that is not another bird...but please don't tell her that.

Cedar Hill Farm & Gardens Highlights Createk's Septic Pipe Covers

2010-03-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

Changing the landscape one septic pipe at a time!

Check out my listings on EBay or you can directly email me at wisel@comcast.net.

Ebay Antique Postcard - But what is it? What is it worth?

2010-02-23T04:46:00.000-08:00

I love the challenges of cleaning out people's attics, basements and storage units. But every once in a while I come across something that is puzzling to me. This month's "What is it? What is it worth?" is this somewhat creepy antique postcard. The baby on the front appears to be sucking on a piece of corn on the cob. The blanket and bow are also three dimensional. Any clues to its values or the "type" of postcard this is would be extremely appreciated!

Createk Stone can add just the right touch to complete your landscape

2010-01-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Createk Boulders Make it to Ireland!

2010-01-14T11:03:00.000-08:00

One never knows what my day will bring, and this week has been a crazy one! I have been very busy working with Createk through the power of email to custom make boulders for a customer in Ireland!

Not just once! After receiving his first boulder, he quickly turned around to order two additional stones.

Ireland's stones do not have the typical granite look that we are accustomed to here. For no additional cost Createk was kind enough to match his photos.

Hi Lauren

Success!!! It arrived an hour ago ~ and i must say it looks VERY realistic :) it will be perfect for the use I have in mind and the color is spot on also ....once again many thanks for your assistance

Regards

Paul

Our last little trick of the trade is for Paul to crumble moss over the stones after coating the rocks with buttermilk or yogurt. I dare anyone to try to find the faux boulders!

Once again Createk has proven to be a company I feel proud to represent. My many thanks to all who made this happen!

So remember ~ whether you have something you want to hide, or you would like to add character to your gardens, Createk is there for you!

Feel free to email me at wisel@comcast.net

Was My 25 Year Marriage Out the Window?

2009-10-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

I learn so much just sitting by my window watching nature and it's daily routine. Squirrels busy gathering nuts, the beautiful New England leaves changing before they drop and the sounds of geese flying in formation overhead. It sets off a feeling of urgency in my soul. Time to get started on my "list of things to do" before the wrath of winter sets in.

Things were easier with money. Much easier. A simple phone call to get the tank filled verses scurrying for wood for the wood stove. Hanging clothes is getting a bit challenging with the damp night time air setting in earlier each day. Amazing what used to come so naturally to me is now riddled with guilt. Lights left on in an unoccupied room, the touch of a thermostat dial, and worse...the use of our clothes dryer (which he disconnected to help with my threat of temptation).

I had to laugh at myself the night before when I saw my husband's headlights coming up the driveway after a long hard day's work. I jumped from my chair, tripped over dogs and ran through the house trying to make it to the laundry room before the sound of the door knob's turn. I literally was suffering from a panic attack. I felt as if I was committing adultery and my husband was walking through the door ready to discover my scantly dressed lover.

But you see, I had committed the ultimate sin. Now please don't think my husband is a mean guy. Total opposite. He works so hard and is so kind. I feel compelled to help out in any possible way and that includes saving money in these tough economic times.

I was good, I was good for a long time, but it is time I come clean, the guilt is killing me. It is with great remorse that I admit to falling off the wagon.

Oh, and no, I was much too fast for Glenn to catch me with new my love... my self made dryer vent :)

Happy Halloween from Cedar Hill Farm and Gardens

2009-10-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks Even For Treats

2009-10-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

Gearing up for Halloween here! Handicappedpets.com is about to announce their 2009 Halloween Photo Contest. I have been working hard just to get a simple shot of Sasha for their photo album cover. Not so easy! Here are a few of her pictures....

I'm a Little Bit Country...

2009-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Elvis perching on twigs...

Such a broad word. To some it means your geographical location, the music you like, or your taste in decorating. Some may think its a combination of all of the above. In my opinion, its not. Country is in your soul. For years I've received gifts from friends and family that do not in any way capture "my" country. White wooden geese with blue checked bows on their neck screaming "welcome" were supposed to adorn my door? I think not. My country is a real goose honking when somebody drives down the dirt driveway.

Last year my husband got one more chore off his "honey do" list. Finally I had my clothesline. Some commented on where it was located because folks may see it when coming up the driveway. Was that a problem for them? It certainly wasn't for me. We build reproduction homes, farm houses are my favorite. Is it so insane to think it actually adds to the beauty of a farm to see sheets on a clothesline blowing in the breeze? In my country mind it is one of the most important landscaping assets I could add to our home (not to mention an incredible money savings).

Country is knowing your hands aren't going to look so great through the planting season. I laugh when I see some gardening shows with women in sundresses and floppy hats. They carry baskets for their fresh veggies and cut flowers. When I garden I am covered from head to toe in compost with an occasional added accessory of a twig snagged in my hair. A funny little side note ~ I had my son's friend's father stop by to pick up his boy one day. He had his khaki pants, pink polo and boat shoes on. Told me how much he loved to garden. Obsessed I believe is the word he used. I've seen the landscaping trucks at his beautifully groomed Mc-mansion and it is lovely. He bent over and picked up the top dressing in my perennial garden. He asked me what mulch I had used, he had never seen it before. Cocoa shells he asked? I said no, sheep manure. No words to describe how quickly he dropped the handful of black gold he was grasping.

So country is....it's not a what, and I love it!

Cedar Hill Farm and Gardens - The Planting Has Begun

2009-06-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

You know, we New Englanders must be crazy to live here. It was a tough winter here both weather wise and economically. Ice damage snapped trees, power was lost for weeks - only returning a few days before the holiday. We stoked the wood stove 24/7 as we couldn't afford to keep filling the gas tank for heat. I felt somewhat like a pilgrim of sorts. Even found myself enjoying the satisfaction of creating a meal on top of the wood stove instead of turning on the oven. It was short lived however, I burned out, no pun intended.

Spring arrived in all its glory. Signs of life popping up all around me, that and three weeks of May Flies that somehow slipped through Alfred Hitchcock's movie making. Cartoon characterized skulls and crossbones formed around me whenever I'd make an attempt to run outside and do a little spring cleaning. I certainly could have turned my energy to "inside" spring cleaning but after spending a long winter in my four walls, I was on a mission to breath fresh air.

I am trying to make smarter selections for annual plantings this year here at home. My summer cottage has wreaked havoc on my gardens here at Cedar Hill these last two summers. It's a tough call...stay here and weed? Sit on the dock with my morning coffee? How long can I hold back friends from taking the "tour"? Maybe I can just tell them I moved - better yet, invite them North where there are no expectations on landscaping. I am making one serious mistake though, but its like the addict that needs "just one more". Every time I divide a perennial, somehow it ends up vacationing with me. One lake garden installed, please don't let there be another....I have no place left to run to.

Clay pots here at home will be low maintenance consisting of grasses, geraniums, portulaca's etc.

Flowers are flowers and nobody will miss the pots I used to create. If they do, just drive North, I've got them all up there.

Thanks for letting me ramble ~

A woman-made water feature and its resident bull frog

2009-05-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Never happy with what everyone else had, I decided to take a Home Depot Whiskey Bucket Water Fountain kit and put a little spin on it. By simply stacking a few bricks on the bottom I gently slid two granite wheels over my fountain neck and head. The water sounds so beautiful bubbling out onto the granite. So natural that for three years now we have had the same bull frog return. He is not one bit shy and certainly makes for conversation on the patio when we're entertaining guests. Now if I could just get him to stop jumping into my potted plants and snapping my geraniums!

Bird Dog

2009-05-13T14:13:00.001-07:00

Got all your ducks in a row?

2009-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Before you jump down my throat for getting frustrated with nature, believe me when I tell you I understand the circle of life, the chain of all things living if you will. But it still doesn't soften the blow of nature's wrath on some of my old farm yard friends - especially the feathered ones. I decided to post some photos of my Peking ducks. They lived here for 12 years and it was a ton of work keeping them safe. Constantly distorting my body into crazy gyrations scaring away the red tail hawk, kicking a raccoon (not one of my smarter moves) off of "Limpy's" back in high heels one night in the pitch dark, and chasing a red fox around the yard in my nightgown, bare foot in the snow (again - I never said I was intelligent) who had "Limpy" by the throat (name meaning something to you now?) In thinking back I wonder if I ever, in those 12 years had a good night sleep. Although they were tucked in their own duck palace - it never seemed to be enough. The sound of a fisher cat's scream is something that haunts me to this day. I've posted a few pictures of the four of them - hope you enjoy!

Which hat to wear today?

2009-05-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

The signs and sounds of spring are everywhere. I am being pulled in so many different directions at once ~ it's hard to focus on any one thing. With our finances in such despair, anything that brings in cash should certainly take precedence. With these economic times, I have been forced to rent out our lake cottage throughout most of the summer, which puts an added pressure on me to enjoy it now while I can. So truck loaded every weekend I head out with bags packed with a nagging, haunting cloud of guilt as I pull away.

We have been busy doing projects up to our camp, one of which is a new rock retaining wall. My love of all things granite is bordering obsession. Next up, we're building a new dock out of leftover materials from the houses we've built in the past.

I still try to mix business with pleasure and travel with Createk's faux boulders in tow. I casually unload them in front of the cottage for neighbors lucky enough to have been blessed with those unsightly septic pipes, well heads, and propane tank covers. A wealthy banker who resides a few doors down has a gorgeous Adirondack cabin with, yes, you guessed it, a septic pipe smack dab in the middle of his lawn. I was washing a few dishes looking out the window over the sink and saw my husband run to the boulder as he saw the banker pulling out of his driveway. He looked as if he was Vanna White at the letter board quickly pretending he needed to move it from one side of the yard to the other. The only thing he was missing was a big neon sign saying "buy me". Shameless! What have we stooped to? Oh well, no luck this weekend but you can be sure we'll try again. Maybe the neighbor isn't stopping because he thinks my husband is Hercules obsessed with moving boulders?

Tomorrow is hump day and I will already be packing up to do it all over again. Hopefully New Hampshire's black fly season will be over. That's a story for another day....

Words of Wisdom

2009-04-10T07:40:00.001-07:00

When I wake in the morning my mind immediately begins to spin. What first? What follows? Biggest question is, what can I procrastinate and put off until tomorrow? It is awesome working from home, don't get me wrong. But as I sit in my office typing, with the sun shining in my front window, instead of seeing beauty and all things spring, I see the particles of dust dancing in the rays of sunlight. I don't want to be like that but its really tough to change. Unfortunately, I think I am getting worse as I get older. Could I be turning into my mother? The mother I stop in for a quick visit with and have to lift my feet so she can wipe down the cobweb she only seems to see when and where I sit?

I have an Aunt and Uncle who have three children - we cousins all call them the "over-achievers". (Secrets out now). Each one of these cousins have gone above and beyond. A doctor, a teacher, and a talented builder. How did they raise such terrific kids? They never followed the trends of the sagging down jeans, wallets that needed to be chained to their belt loops or god forbid the pierced ears. They were presidents of their class, top honors, humble and genuinely nice kids. Years passed and we took a trip up to my Aunt and Uncle's farm house in Maine. A beautiful old Cape, barn in a bit of disrepair but still beautiful. As I entered the house, I was a little taken back by the stacks of laundry, dishes in the drainer and all walls crying out for a fresh coat of paint. Did she not know we were coming? My Aunt was quick to explain the clutter but was in no way apologizing. She said to me, "my children are children for such a short time. Will they remember that their house was immaculate and everything was in its place? Or will they remember our hikes, ski weekends, and family outings?"

They really were the perfect family - I think I found what fits into my procrastination category for today - housework!

Happy Easter

2009-04-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

I sometimes amaze myself that I can sit here and make excuses as to why I took the time to dig out an old Easter postcard, scan it, crop it, save it and download it to blogger. These actions should in fact set off an alarm in my head "Easter alert - Easter alert!" With 17 coming for brunch my list of things to do is growing. Hard for me when so many like to take the outside tour as well as the inside. In case my responsibilites take hold of me and I can't get back before the holiday - here is wishing all of you a Happy Easter ~

Springtime at Cedar Hill Farm and Gardens

2009-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Rock Walls

2009-04-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

With Springtime upon us here in New England you can't help but get excited for the change. Cabin fever is behind us and the landscape is changing. Birds are singing their springtime calls, the grass is getting green and my gardens are showing life again.

I start out by assessing all of winter's damage. From my flower gardens, to my rock walls, out buildings, to our home - winter has shown it's fury once again.

I find that the "less perfect" landscape works for our home, thank goodness. Having built a reproduction home allows our hardscape and landscape room for error. When we built our home 10 years ago, money was tight. I insisted I could do it all, and I did. I was close to 40 years young and gathered all the stones throughout our property. Even went so far as to stop excavation in process to jump in the foundation hole for a boulder or two. Very cost effective I might add. Not only did I build a 200' long rock wall, but it was a retaining wall at that. Very unforgiving to New Englands frosts.

We New Englanders must be different. Just a few short weeks of each season, always picking up, shutting down, closing off, opening up and cleaning up. Never a dull moment.

Our newest challenge is a small cottage we purchased on a lake. First project I tackled - a new rock wall. What is this passion for rocks?

I've posted a few photos - am looking forward to Createk creating a nice faux boulder for retaining walls. My back would appreciate it! Check out Createk's website. Their work is beautiful and true to life. You can find some of my listings on NH Craig's List or on EBay

Createk helps my love for granite!

2009-04-04T07:25:00.001-07:00

A Realistic Lightweight Alternative to Granite

Createk is Unique

Virtually weightless! It is only about 2.25 lbs. per sf, and can therefore be easily installed and transported.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
UV resistant and has a Class 1 Fire Retardant Classification.
Easily power washed without changing the color or contour, so it will never need to be repainted or touched up.

Garden Rocks – Many Sizes
Boundary Posts (with or without Septic Vent)
Garden Seats
Fountains – 3 Sizes Available!
Outlet Covers
Waterfalls
Light Covers
Fence Posts
Skimmer Covers
Stone Benches
Septic Pipe Covers (4” aluminum vent)
Planters
Well Head Covers
Sun Dials
Propane Covers
Birdbaths (with or without Septic Vent)
Spa Steps

I personally fell in love with this company through our construction business. A husband and wife team of builders specializing but not limited to reproduction homes. Nothing drove me more crazy than the challenge of well heads, propane tank covers, and those all too familiar septic pipe vents. Once we discovered Createk – it was a challenge no longer. What was once an eyesore was now a focal point. We also contracted Createk make us custom panels to hide our foundations…you had to touch it to know that it wasn’t real granite.
These are lightweight but heavy enough to not need staking like some of the box store boulders.
Createk has a resume like no other. They have supplied products and created custom boulders and displays for T-Rex Café in Disneyworld, Florida, Museums, and Cabela’s Retail in CT and ME.

Please feel free to check out my listings on EBay for Createk products or email me directly for costs and shipping!