Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been getting a few jobs done at the new place as part of the settling-in process. One of them was the fencing-in of a small area in the back to allow our dog, Chip, to roam a bit when unsupervised. It will also serve as a backdrop for flower gardens.
The short wall of the fence runs up (or down) a slope. Originally, I angled the rails to follow the slope, but I didn’t like it. So I reconfigured it with level rails and a step. I ran the pickets level across the top and cut them to length individually to follow the slope of the land at the bottom.
The photo above shows the step transition. Not bad, but I wanted it to be less abrupt.
I removed two pickets and replaced them with taller ones. Then I sketched a curve across three pickets to ease the transition from one level to the next.
I grabbed my bowsaw, tightened the toggle, and cut the three pickets along the curved line. I was able to find the bowsaw since it was one of the last things I packed.
I cleaned up the saw cut with a drawknife, then shaved the angle on the outside to match the rest of the pickets.
Above is a shot of shaving the outer angle on a different transition area of the fence. The drawknife makes quick work of the complex angles and leaves a nice surface.
Here’s the first area now. Just three pickets, widely separated, but the eye fills in the gaps in the curved line. I suppose I could have custom-cut a curved rail to match, but the line must be drawn somewhere. I’ve got a workshop to set up so that I can get to carving bowls instead of pickets.
Here’s that other transition area where the fence meets the stair railing heading up to the deck.
The fence is finished, but the “yard” is still dirt. The toads seem to love it. And I love the toads. But with no rain at all for the last 21 days, it has been a real dustbowl around the house. So we’ve spread seed and shaken straw. Rain is expected Monday, and, soon, we’ll have some green on the ground instead of dust or mud.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of green above the ground. I’ve been getting to know the trees around the edges of the lot. There are a few tulip trees among them, and a couple weeks ago, they were in bloom.
The leaves are as fantastic as the flowers.
There are hickories too. Anyone know what deposits these on the leaves? I’m guessing some sort of wasp, but I have no idea.
I suppose this maple over the woodpile would have a story to tell. It certainly found a way.
The black cherry trees were in blossom last week.
There are lots of black walnut trees in the area. This is a young one at the edge of the yard.
And this little grove of quaking aspens makes music just outside the side window of the workshop, which is where I’m headed now to move that transition forward.
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
Hi David, Your Hickory leaf has Hickory Leaf Gall caused by a tiny insect, Phylloxera species. The damage is primarily aesthetic and does not harm the tree.
Your “ Tulip” tree is Liriodendron tulipfera, aka American Tulip Tree, Tulip Poplar etc. but it is not a true Poplar. Liriodendron is Greek for “ Lily Tree”. It is indigenous to Eastern North America and is a fast grower. It is excellent for greenwood bowl carving which you already know.
Cheers,
Michael
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Thanks Michael!
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With the trees, plants, and “critters” it looks like you’re in your element. What a nice setting. Good job on the fence transition. Your tools of the trade are good for other than bowl carving. Enjoy the progress.
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Thanks, Scott. It’s just a small lot, but we’re enjoying the setting. Some of those trees are actually beyond our lot itself, but we still get to enjoy them.
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The fence looks great with the curved transitions. The lot has a very interesting and abundant flora/fauna. Congratulations on the house and look forward to progress with the shop.
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A very nice place you have there. The maple over the wood pile has at least 2 outstanding ladles in it if you have a mind to cut it down. Best wishes in your new home.
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Looks lovely Dave. We had to cut down 2 ash trees and trim another when as new neighbor wanted to build a new garage near our border. :(. Too much ash to use and store all at once unfortunately. Wife not happy to lose the trees 😦
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That is too bad. The ash trees around here are either standing dead or have already fallen, with a rare exception. The emerald ash borer.
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Chip. What a great name for a woodworker’s dog.
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Thanks for sharing with us. Looking forward to seeing the progress on the new shop.
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Very nice work on your fence. You have a lovely setting, which I know you and your family will truly enjoy. Looking forward to your progress on your shop. Be safe and good luck.
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Thanks for sharing your most recent project, Dave, and the trees and critters in your yard. It looks like you have a lovely piece of land and I’m sure that with your skills and artistry it will become a little Eden. Good luck with the lawn!
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The seeds just got a gift today, Drew. Rain — finally! And more to come. We hadn’t had a drop for three weeks, so bring it on.
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have a tulip tree down the road from me–flowers are way up high nice to see one at eye level–neat blossoms–
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It was a nice surprise to see a blossom that low, Marie. The tree is young, no more than 6 inches in diameter, so maybe it’s still sorting things out!
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ok that’s how you saw the blossom. the tree down the road from me is probably 30′ high and the blossoms are way up there. Nice to see one up close–
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I envy your opportunity to live among all those wonderful trees. When I was young, we lived near a large stand of quaking aspen and they were quite an attraction with their changing colors and the rushing sound of the leaves when the wind blew. Enjoy the precious moments; Life goes by so quickly!
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I had no idea you have aspens up there. Colorado in the fall season comes to mind in all its glory. I can’t help but wonder if you’ve ever carved it.
Glad you found your bow saw so quickly. I laughed pretty hard on that one!
Best.
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I have carved some Scott. In fact, the last bowl I carved in the old shop was from aspen, a new fun design. I haven’t had a chance to snap some photos, but I’ll get around to it. Anyway, aspen is a decent wood to use for bowls and containers. Too soft for spoons in general. Especially good for building confidence with the tools, but once it’s dry, the tools do need to be very sharp to cut cleanly. Here’s a post about a shrink pot I carved from Aspen: https://davidffisher.com/2019/07/08/bright-shrink-pot/
And here’s another: https://davidffisher.com/2018/10/07/shrink-pots-paint-and-lettering/
I found a few more things today. It’s like a desperate treasure hunt in piles of boxes!
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