This video will be up until September 17th. Thank you!Gardens Tour - 8.August.2023 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2023-08-08 | It's August! The vegetable garden is in full production. The flowers are puttering out as far as big growth, but their flowers are lingering long.Gardens Tour - 24.July.2023 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2023-07-24 | High summer harvest time! We've got squash, berries, peppers, & tomatoes. The flowers in the gardens are all in bloom. NEW OBELISKS!!
Vegetable Garden - 00:38 Orchard - 05:32 New westward garden - 06:55 Old southward front garden - 10:25 Phyllis' Garden - 11:53Steam Engine - LEGO MOCKristopher Ulrich2023-07-18 | Trains are cool. While I don't have the pieces to build an entire train like this, I do have more than enough to do an engine justice. This is an old fashioned steam engine! We're using some Chinese hats and lanterns for accents. Check out the rotating steam stack. It's even got a conductor.
LEGO MOC Steam Engine KU 0008 119 pieces Minifigure scaleEGO Power + String Trimmer ReviewKristopher Ulrich2023-07-13 | I am a huge fan of the EGO product line of tools. In this video I'm reviewing my EGO Power + String Trimmer. I talk about and demonstrate every feature. Timestamps for the video are as follows:
Introduction - 00:11 Battery - 01:20 Lock Off Lever & Trigger - 01:41 Front Assist Handle - 02:11 Hinge - 02:45 Guard - 03:17 Cutting Line - 03:29 Many Thoughts - 05:08Today is my BIRTHDAY! - Gardens Tour - 11.July.2023 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2023-07-11 | Veggies are growing, flowers are blooming, and life is very good - happy birthday to me!
Birthday Thanks - 00:11 Phyllis' Garden - 01:06 Old southward shaded garden - 03:26 New westward part sun garden - 04:41 Vegetable Garden - 09:05EGO Power + Mower ReviewKristopher Ulrich2023-07-06 | I am a huge fan of the EGO product line of tools. In this video I'm reviewing my EGO Power + Mower. I talk about and demonstrate every feature. Timestamps for the video are as follows:
Introduction - 00:10 Cutting Height - 01:29 Battery - 02:20 Charger - 02:44 Walking Height - 03:46 LED Lights - 04:23 Power Start - 04:52 Noise Test - 05:40 Cleaning Care - 06:25 Power Assist Driving - 07:01 Bag - 08:24 Storage & Weight - 08:41 Closing Thoughts - 09:57LEGO MOC Rainbow BridgeKristopher Ulrich2023-07-03 | In honor of all of our pets who have left us, a rainbow bridge guides them safely to the next life. Go hug an animal today, folks.
LEGO MOC Rainbow House KU 0007 122 pieces Micro scale for the animal piecesCURRANTS: What a Mature Plant Looks Like, When to Harvest, and How to Use the BerriesKristopher Ulrich2023-06-30 | In this video I showcase my 5-year old currant bushes, and a 7-year old gooseberry bush. I show what a fully-grown plant looks like, how the berries look when they are ready for harvesting, how to harvest and process the berries, and I suggest some uses for the fruit.
Currants are highly undervalued in America. I would be glad to see a resurgence of them in baking culture particularly.
I reference this excellent video on the history of gooseberries and currants in the US: youtube.com/watch?v=LZAk1a0dqiMGardens Tour - 26.June.2023 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2023-06-26 | What a fabulous amount of growth since the last garden tour! We're harvesting peas, rhubarb, & strawberries. I'm picking some tart cherries for snacks, too. Days after this upload I'll be harvesting gooseberries, currents, and raspberries. The flowers are all established around the house in the new and established gardens. Life is good.
Vegetable garden: 00:11 The Orchard: 06:12 New westward part sun garden: 08:13 Old southward shaded garden: 10:15 Eastward shade garden: 11:27LEGO MOC Rainbow HouseKristopher Ulrich2023-06-19 | It's LGBTQ pride month and stuff. We make lots of rainbow houses in our family because we have so many different colored pieces! While we're not gay, we do have gay friends and family. Gender/sexuality politics aside, colors are for everyone. Whatever, just enjoy the fun house we built. It's Lego ASMR this time.
LEGO MOC Rainbow House KU 0006 193 pieces All of the colors come together to make a beautiful small home.The Garden Tool You Never Knew You NEEDED: An Action HoeKristopher Ulrich2023-06-15 | A clickbait title for a truly excellent tool. I always thought action hoes were pointless until I actually got one for myself. Now I realize how wonderful they are. They save my back! They save time! They are so easy to use, and I regret not having purchased one years ago.Gardens Tour - 12.June.2023 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2023-06-12 | I had been getting up every morning to water all of our seedlings and new transplants until we finally got rain after nearly a month! The gardens are all looking lovely and teeming with life. Strawberries are ripening. In little time I'll be picking snap peas, strawberries, & raspberries. The long limestone path along the new westward garden is complete, and all of the transplants are thriving!
Vegetable garden: 00:18 New westward sun garden: 04:26 Old southward shaded garden: 06:04 Eastward shade garden: 07:26Starting NEW JADE Plants OUTDOORS from CLIPPINGSKristopher Ulrich2023-06-08 | Hot fun in the summertime. Outdoor jade babies is all about the heat and humidity. This is my method.UP-POTTING a JADE Plant to a HUGE PlanterKristopher Ulrich2023-06-01 | A time comes in every plants life when it outgrows the confines of the pot that it's in. Roots become too bound and competition for nutrients may have detrimental effects on stalks. A large crown might even be too top-heavy for the planter, risking a disastrous tumble.
In this video I up-pot my big jade to it's forever planter. It will live out all the days of its life in this planter, and likely grow to nearly 4-feet!
Vegetable garden: 00:37 Orchard: 06:19 New westward sun garden: 07:45 Eastward shade garden: 09:27 Old southward shaded garden: 11:172023 Fall & Spring Garden CleaningKristopher Ulrich2023-05-26 | Because I built the fence last year, I had to do fall and spring cleanup at the same time in the garden. It took some time, particularly since we had a cold snap in early May, but in the end it all came through nicely.
See the fence get built fast: youtu.be/A-poV4666jE Here I build the compost stage: youtu.be/UnOWnx4jpKQ This is my chipper review: youtu.be/v1gvwuVZDyULEGO MOC Christmas TowerKristopher Ulrich2023-05-15 | LEGO MOC Christmas Tower KU 0005 78 pieces A good addition to a winter village market squareEarthwise GS70015 Chipper Shredder Product ReviewKristopher Ulrich2023-05-11 | I bought an Earthwise GS70015 Chipper Shredder to break up materials throughout my garden. It works perfectly. I put everything from 1.5" tough sunflower stalks to 0.25" raspberry canes through it. The machine had no problem dealing with different densities of materials, nor did it balk at green material.
This is not a paid review - I just genuinely like the product.
I bought my model from Chippers Direct: chippersdirect.com/Earthwise-GS70015-Chipper-Shredder/p16875.htmlLEGO MOC Hacienda-Style House FacadeKristopher Ulrich2023-05-08 | LEGO MOC Hacienda-Style House Facade KU 0004 141 pieces Mini-figure scale 1-story home + gardenHow to Build an Open Compost CorralKristopher Ulrich2023-05-07 | This is a single-stage version of a larger compost system that I built 9 years ago. It is built from cedar and chicken wire. The whole build took only 2.5 hours. An easy weekend project that will add to your sustainability efforts.LEGO MOC Couch & Side TableKristopher Ulrich2023-05-01 | LEGO MOC Couch & Side Table KU 0003 40 pieces Mini-figure scale for homeLEGO MOC Kitchen CupboardKristopher Ulrich2023-04-24 | LEGO MOC Kitchen Cupboard KU 0002 27 pieces Mini-figure scale for homeRebuilding & Repainting the Potting Bench 5-Years LaterKristopher Ulrich2023-04-21 | The cheap pine on the potting bench has broken down over the years. Using some leftover cedar from the fence I rebuilt last summer I've gone ahead and replaced some boards and painted the whole thing. That'll last another five years. Good stuff.
Trying something new with my kids. Looking for feedback. We love LEGO (and who doesn't, really?) Might start a new channel for these. Thanks.Should You Buy a Gas, Manual, or Electric Lawnmower?Kristopher Ulrich2023-04-14 | I'm just your average yard enthusiast who happens to have owned gas mowers, manual push mowers, and electric mowers. There are pros and cons to each, and that's what we talk about in this video. I hope that this video helps you find the kind of lawnmower that is right for you.
Intro 0:09 Gas 1:15 Manual 5:03 Electric 9:16 Closing Thoughts 13:37How to Make Storage ShelvesKristopher Ulrich2023-04-07 | My basement is now beautifully organized thanks to these sturdy and simple wooden shelves. They store two standard plastic totes beneath and two above before they reach my cellar ceiling. This design can easily be scaled to add another shelf on top. It's an easy weekend project using 2x4s and 1/2" plywood. Shelves are a beginner project that require little to no building knowhow, but they will improve your space and add value to your home immediately.Tips for Pruning Peach, Pear, Apple, & Cherry TreesKristopher Ulrich2023-03-31 | My small home orchard contains nine fruit trees: 3 apple, 2 pear, 2 peach, and 2 cherry. They are between 4-7 years old as of 2023, and they all needed a good pruning. There's a lot to keep in mind when it comes to determining which branches to axe. As a rule, I look for 10 things. Check out the timestamps below to go right to different pruning examples, or to see me prune and talk about specific trees.
1. Pruning for height 1:15 2. Pruning downward growing branches 1:29 3. Pruning long limbs that will snap with fruit weight 1:35 4. Pruning crossing limbs 1:44 5. Pruning broken limbs 2:11 6. Pruning dead / diseased branches 2:37 7. Pruning to keep the center open 2:49 8. Pruning off waterspouts 3:18 9. Pruning vertical limbs 3:37 10. Pruning ground suckers 9:56
Peach Trees: 0:48 Cherry Trees: 4:16 Pear Trees: 8:47 Apple Trees: 10:38How to Make a Giant StaffKristopher Ulrich2023-03-25 | I made an 8-foot staff for a giant for the production of Big Fish: a New Musical. The giant stood on stilts and needed a sturdy light-weight item for balance and effect. This staff is made from one standard 2x4x8 piece of dimensional lumber. I cut it with a jigsaw, remove material on the router, shape it with a sander, burn it, stain it, and coat the base with rubber. This technique could absolutely be used to make nice walking sticks in additional to show props.
Kudos to our giant from the Oshkosh North High School production of Big Fish: a New Musical.How to Stain a Fence - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 5Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | Staining a fence is that "extra step" so often skipped. It adds immense beauty to your fence and it will also extend the life of the fence. The cost of upkeep is far less than the cost of a new fence. Stain your fence.
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Build a Modern Shadowbox FenceKristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | A comprehensive walkthrough of everything involved in building a fence. This project took me 15 weeks, although if your weather is nice, you aren't experiencing supply chain delays, and you have some help, then you should be able to get it done much quicker. I was thrilled to do this entirely by my self.
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Set Fence Posts in Fast Setting Concrete - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 4Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | Oh man, the comments section is probably going to be a show here. I used fast-setting concrete to set my posts. It seemed right for me. Ready: debate!
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Use an Earth Auger to Drill Fence Post Holes - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 3Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | The best way by far to dig holes for fence posts is by using some sort of power auger. I used an earth auger with a 10" bit for my 4x4 posts. They are down 24-30" below the soil line. Buying my own auger was by far cheaper than hiring out a contractor for the job. The tradeoff: it was a lot of labor.
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Build a Double Fence Gate & Arbor - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 7Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | Add a touch of showmanship to your fence with a grand entrance. This double gate is 3" thick and made entirely of cedar. The arch is just under 8-feed wide and 8-feet tall. This is perfect for getting vehicles into your yard with ease, and dang guys does it ever look good!
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Disassemble a Fence - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 1Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | This is a sustainability project. I reused all fence pickets that weren't split or completely rotten. In this video I tear down cedar fence panels and disassemble the pickets to prepare them for pressure washing.
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Assemble Fence Rails & Pickets - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 6Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | In this video I install the horizontal rails and vertical fence pickets. This is the fun part! Now the fence finally takes shape.
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEHow to Pressure Wash a Fence - Building a Shadowbox Fence Part 2Kristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | After tearing down my cedar fence and disassembling all pickets it was time to clean them up. A power washer was perfect for this. It nearly completely renewed the facade of the board. It's amazing.
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jEBuilding a Shadowbox Fence - Timelapse - 4kKristopher Ulrich2022-12-15 | A nearly 400-foot modern shadowbox fence built between August and November 2022. See the whole 15 weeks in just 5 minutes, and then check out the entire project in detail. Links below!
The 5-minute time lapse: youtu.be/A-poV4666jE2-Year Update on BEST Firewood Rack. How Does it Look? You Tell ME!Kristopher Ulrich2022-10-08 | Check out the progress, and then check out the original project: youtu.be/nuzbylelUJsGarden Tour - 1.August.2022 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2022-08-01 | The beans are all picked. Tomatoes are going hardcore, and so are the peppers. Raspberries will be here later this month. Oh, and the volunteer sunflowers are doing their thing, too.Improving a Little FREE LibraryKristopher Ulrich2022-07-07 | Four years ago I built a little free library. Last fall it was vandalized. Now I finally have it repaired and installed on our property, along with a lovely Aldo Leopold bench. This video is the story of the library and the process for making this space thus far.
Here is the original build: youtu.be/wcsBcfO2Yy4 And a vlog to go along with it: youtu.be/t5M8nOlq6hoGarden Tour - 3.July.2022 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2022-07-06 | We have picked a ton of snap peas. So good. We also harvested all of the currants & gooseberries. Up next this month: beans.Mission Style Porch Swing Update - 6 Years LaterKristopher Ulrich2022-06-21 | Six years ago I built this mission style swing for our aunt and uncle: youtu.be/iRTYgiHP55M. We went to visit them over a long weekend, and I thought I'd provide an update on how it's holding up. I'm happy to say that it's in perpetual use and it's holding up superbly.
Go build one for yourself now!Garden Tour - 16.June.2022 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2022-06-19 | Just look at those gooseberries! Raspberries are growing like crazy after I axed them to the ground. Grazing on lots of asparagus and strawberries while I'm out here. Ought to be eating peas by the next update.A Weekend Project: Tree LandscapingKristopher Ulrich2022-06-12 | Up your landscaping game in a few hours this weekend with some phlox and cobblestones.Phlox and Cobblestone Landscaping Around a TreeKristopher Ulrich2022-06-10 | I planted nine creeping phlox plants inside of a ring of 4-8" diameter cobblestone, all around a large front tree measuring 85" in circumference. This is essentially a raised bed, albeit an illusion. The base of the tree slopes down, and when the soil is backfilled to the height of the cobblestones, it ends up being level with the existing base of the tree. It's important not to put extra dirt or mulch up against the bark of the tree to prevent rot and disease. This planting will grow together in two season's time, and it will appear to be an unbroken circle around the base that even spills out over the stones.Garden Tour - 5.June.2022 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2022-06-06 | Everything planted. Cold-weather crops going gangbusters. One heck of a great start to the season for raspberries, currants, blackberries, and herbs.How to Prune Lilacs: 5 Years LaterKristopher Ulrich2022-05-29 | Five years ago I did some extreme pruning to my lilac bushes. They were about 14 feet tall, and I chopped them down to closer to five feet tall. I also stripped them bare. This video is a follow-up to the one I put out five years ago showing how nicely they bounced back. They are exactly the hight and shape we were looking for, and they are producing flowers nicely.
This is the original video I posted from five years ago: How to Prune Lilac Bushes: youtu.be/TB5Y8h-7pg4Garden Tour - 17.May.2022 - Zone 5aKristopher Ulrich2022-05-17 | Back in the garden. Eating asparagus.Raspberry Pruning 102: Drastic Pruning for Wild GrowthKristopher Ulrich2022-04-27 | Sometimes your raspberries may be terribly overgrown. This was the case for my hedge at the end of last year. There was a lot of dense green material, but not enough buds. This results in a situation with less airflow and fewer nutrients to go around per plant. To top it off, I had a swath of creeping grapevine smothering a section of my raspberry hedge.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. A complete pruning like this, followed by some raking and fertilizing will make your canes come back in good form. There will be no spring crop, but you'll have a bumper late summer/early fall crop.