If you would like to hear this as a story, I have posted a clip on the website and on YouTube at, Hortensiagnomus9.....!
'Well good morning Darling', Hortensia winked at Hector as he flew past her window on one of his practice abseils. Hector, though very excited about taking his friends back to his home in the city, was rather worried about their lack of experience - hence the abseiling training.
Hortensia and Archibold were finding having unexpected faces peering into their home, especially at unexpected times - more than a little unsettling. Hortensia in particular had been more than a little perturbed at the squeals and occasional shrieks as the new skills were learnt. 'I worry for them Harriet, it is sometimes a bit risky to become too overexcited!' Harriet of course thought it all sounded great fun and wanted to join in.
'So today is the day for extreme planting skill learning,' Hector stood proudly in front of a collection of young plants. 'Each of you is to chose a plant, a small bag of soil, a flask of water, your trowel - and when you are ready - we will set off!' After a bit of scrabbling and rushing about, Hector surveyed a line of eager and excited gnomes. 'The point of the exercise is to climb to an unexpectedly high place with no recent planting having taken place, and to plant your seedling, and then come back here to report on your progress.'
Hector watched with satisfaction as the gnomes charged off. Most of them had been surveying suitable spots for several days and thinking about how to climb up without damaging their plant, and then of course how to tuck the plant in safely and come back down, within the time allowed. Hector was very busy rushing about shouting encouragement, 'very important to water your plant slowly, you want the water to settle in the roots and not drain away!' He looked with satisfaction as the gnomes returned, they faces were alight with the satisfaction of a Good Deed Done - a favourite motto for all gnomes and an encouraging sight for the success of their trip ahead.
'Well done! Tomorrow we will practice gutter and drainpipe planting.' the gnomes looked shocked, but Hector had agreed with Aunt Mildred that their friend The Old Lady, loved plants and flowers so very much that they were sure that she wouldn't mind a few additions to her home. 'Very important in the city to find every available space to plant, so that we can encourage and help the humans to remember who they are.'
And with that they all settled done to relive their adventures and to enjoy a nice cup of peppermint tea and a slice of cherry sponge cake.
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