Important Things in Your GardenBesides the plants, there are some things that are important for the functioning or proper feel of one’s garden. It just isn’t the same without a _______ or it ambiance just is not complete without a _______. This series is to help you fill in the blanks and guide you on your way to making the garden of your dreams.Part I: Know Your Gnome
Whether you call them Gnomes, Nisse, Heinselmännchen, or Kippec these creatures are beneficial for the proper operation of your garden.
According to
Rein Poortuliet and
Wil Huygen in the book
Gnomes (which, in case you wondered, is the only source of dependable gnome information and images), there are several types of gnomes. But the one we will speak of here is the Garden Gnome. He is described as having a “nature on the somber side” but he is “quite learned.”
Male gnomes wear the recognizable peaked red cap, a red smock (this may vary), brown-green pants, a leather belt with tool kit, and felt boots.
Females tend to wear more earthy colors and spend most of their time in the home.
Gnomes can live up to 400 years. How do they measure this long passage of time? It is sad that an acorn is planted on the day of his birth. And every year he makes runic notations on to keep track of his age.
Gnomes often have very close relations with animals and will actually perform first aid on the more amiable species. Polecats are the most known exception.
There is a great deal of information about gnome life but what is so important about having a gnome in your garden? They have a command of plant care and use that is unequalled by anyone. For medicines, food, products, etc. And they keep away the animals that would undoubtedly do damage to your cultivated prizes. They have an amazing ability to predict weather. In short, treated them well and the favor will return to you.
According to legend, there was no such thing as a garden gnome until a young girl (who was enthralled by the stories about gnomes) crafted the very first clay statue of a gnome. She placed it outside in the garden in hopes that some passing gnome would see it and choose to live nearby. See it they did and they were so touched by the likeness that they did indeed establish themselves in her garden.
Not much is needed to lure a gnome into your backyard paradise. Just find yourself a statue and place it among your hostas or lilies. Soon enough, a gnome will call your garden home.
Desire to know more about these miniature people? I’d suggest hunting down a copy of the book Gnomes and all your questions will be answered! And check out this site:
http://www.foundus.com/jani/gnomes/lady.htm
For all you avid Gardeners!
