Dancing reels and planting on..................

'What do you think Stephanotis - shall we have a grand stamping?' Archibold and Stephanotis had been dividing and planting on all manner of different plants and bulbs, and now of course the moment had come to tuck each plant into the rich earth of the forest floor. Gnomes traditionally use any excuse to enjoy a bit of a dance, so soon the two gnomes were stamping away and enjoying a wild reel or two. 'Well that's a job well done, should be beautiful next Spring, I have to say Stephanotis - I could get used to having an apprentice - so much more fun!'

Archibold winked at Stephanotis, he had never had an apprentice before, and apart from the few moments on the boat when he had abandoned himself to over excitement and forgotten about Stephanotis - he was relishing passing on all of his skills and having such an eager helper. The two of them had taken time out from scouting to keep up with all their gardening duties. Gnomes all have duties, some like Archibold are assigned special missions, but most of all they like to encourage the beauty and abundant growth of all their favorite plants and trees. 

Archibold especially liked trees, so he often collected chestnuts and pine cones to plant in the Autumn - so far Stephanotis thought that he would specialise in bluebells - this of course could have something to do with the fact that they reminded him of Isabel, and as we know Hortensia loved violets so much that she had been given the very special misson of looking after the tender plants. 

Of course all the gnomes deferred to the wisdom of the Council of Venerables and any confusion or alarm would be brought before them and all decisions gratefully accepted. To be a Venerable was a special honour - only the wisest and kindest and obviously the oldest gnomes could be called Venerable - they could be trusted to guide and cherish and to make decisions for the good of all the gnomes in the little community. Aunt Mildred and Uncle Humperdinck were both Venerables and took their responsibilities very seriously - Aunt Mildred had even made special hats for the other Venerables in the Council, all very tall and in shades of forest green, though of course for Old Uncle Theodopholus she made one of the softest wool and the colour of golden Autumn leaves .