Sunday 14 April 2013

Elevenses and Spring time treats.....

'Very busy time of year, very busy indeed,' Archibold had popped back home for elevenses and a piece of cake, and of course, to deliver the fresh new dandelion leaves he had collected his way home. 'Some of the gardens, Hortensia you wouldn't believe how neglected they are, no bedding plants in and so few buds.'

Archibold took his gardening responsibilities seriously, long ago he had realised that once he had taken the great step of choosing to look after a garden, well, then that was that - he was committed for life to both to the garden and all plants within it, and often to the human that cared for it too! Of course humans could put out statues of gnomes in their gardens thinking they might entice a gnome to become a Head Gardener, but as Aunt Mildred frequently remarked 'just because they have a statue out doesn't mean they deserve a gnome!'

For as you can imagine, to a gnome's way of thinking, humans often have the strangest ideas about gardening - and if we are honest, about gnomes themselves. 'No use thinking they are just like us, similar but different, that's all you have to remember, similar but different!' Aunt Mildred was often wise, sometimes grumpy too it has to be said, but mostly wise and kind. 'Poor things they are just so big and in such a rush they forget to look and listen, how they think they can garden without looking and listening - well, you only have to look around to see the results!'

Hortensia winked at Archibold, Aunt Mildred had come round to borrow something, but as she couldn't remember what it was she needed, she had decided to stay and have a cup of tea and a slice of apple cake instead. 'Can't ever remember a Spring so late, no time for snoozing now the buds are on their way!' this last remark was aimed at Uncle Humperdinck, who grateful for the very comfy chair had dozed off. 'Marmalade My Dear, it was quince marmalade that you wanted to borrow, I wasn't asleep at all My Dear, just trying to remember!'

Soon it was time to be on their way, and off they all set. Hortensia had strapped Baby Harriet on her back safely tucked into her basket and Archibold had a large sack of dandelion and cow parsley seed to put out and about. Uncle Humperdinck and Aunt Mildred were setting off home with an enormous pot of quince marmalade between them and a basket with a few dried apple rings just in case they might be running out.

'See you all later' called out Hortensia, 'Stephanotis is coming over for his tea and bringing his bagpipes!' The sun was beginning to come out for the first time in ages and the gnomes knew, this time for sure, Spring was on it's way.....!






Thursday 4 April 2013

The comfort of a snug and happy home....

Archibold was sitting by the fireplace watching the crackling fire as he soaked his poor feet in a bowl of warm lavender water. 'You are a treasure Hortensia My Dear, my feet feel better already.' Hortensia smiled, she was heating up the soup for their evening meal, 'just been so cold and damp for so long Archie, hard for your feet to always be in clammy wet boots day in and day out.'

Archibold sniffed the air as Hortensia lifted the lid and the sweet smell of onion and barley broth filled the air, 'don't feel damp or cold now My Dear, downright toasty inside and out!' he slurped at his soup and smacked his lips with delight. Hortensia had given up years ago trying to curb his enthusiasm for soup, and was now resigned to accepting that all slurps and burbs were a sign of great contentment and appreciation.

The two gnomes sat looking into the flickering flames, usually at this time of year, their friends would be dropping by, and the air would be full of excitement at the news of the latest buds and flowers that they all had spotted that day. 'The bluebells have started to show their leaves, that's something to look forward to, best we wait for Spring to finally come by keeping warm and planning an escapade or two.'

Hortensia agreed, the truth was that the unseasonal cold was becoming exhausting. 'Its not that I don't see how beautiful it all is, but frost every morning at this time of year is a little wearing....' Hortensia's voice faded away as she realised that the room was filling up with sounds of soft snoring and the occasional snuffle - Archibold was sound asleep.

'Fancy falling asleep with his feet in a bowl of water, he must be very tired indeed!' Hortensia gently lifted his feet out of the water and wrapping a shawl around them, placed them on the rug.

She sat back in her rocking chair looking into the glowing flames, 'seems the poor earth is tired too' she thought 'perhaps it needs a rest as well, humans are so busy these days and doing so many silly things, perhaps they need some dream time too....nature is wiser than us, best to go with how things are...' and with that Hortensia found her eyes slowly closing as she too gently drifted into a little snooze. 'Must start on my embroidery, nearly Aunt Mildred's Birthday and she will want to wear her new hat.' But her head kept nodding forward and soon she was fast asleep - the little room began to fill with the sweet air of adventurous dreams and the snug comfort and peace of a happy home.