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.....!






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