Winter Days Continue - Oh Nuts!

Spring is still a couple months away with long dark nights and short cloudy days. The weather doesn’t seem to bother our Whimsical Woods gnomes however, They continue about their daily chores and activities. Repairing their homes and wood gathering takes up a lot of their time.

There is always time for fun however. I imagine snowball throwing, sledding and hide and seek games. I also imagine gnomes help the animals find food and remind the squirrels where they hid their acorns and my bird seed. With a barn or two nearby, a group of gnomes can haul away a good amount of high priced horse or rabbit food in a single night. At home here, we put out a little tub of various nuts and they disappear very quickly. Gnomes do not seem to like citrus, but put out a strawberry and it is gone in no time! Not sure they eat it all, but like to share with the  small rodents and other creatures of the forest.

They are very responsible and loyal to those who help them. Hopefully, they have learned that from us over the centuries. That is a good thing.

With that, this is nuts! But likely to crack you up! Sorry. All is well.

Gnome Caps

Gnome Caps: Red for males and black for females

Male gnomes wear tall pointed red caps and female gnomes wear tall black caps. Other than the caps and the men's beards, the gnomes look very much alike in features. Females wear darker, camouflage colors than the men, while the male gnomes wear the brighter colors.

So, why the pointed caps? One might guess it is to protect gnomes from falling nuts, pinecones, rain or even airborne animals of prey. We also know, from earlier stories, that the caps help the gnomes locate each other in deep snow and for making tunnels under the snow. 

To a gnome, his/her cap is their identity, a reflection of ones self and presence. What an elder gnome must think when he sees young kids today with their caps on backwards! Gnomes takes very good care of their cap by cleaning it daily. It has to be just right, fit well and stand tall.

Should a stray cat come upon a gnome at night, the hat is sacrificed to the cat allowing a speedy escape. Gnomes receive their caps at a young age. Green for girls and red for the boys. With the soon to be movie release (Disney’s “Gnomeo and Juliet”), I’m sure this Fall you’ll see gnome hats in the stores. Maybe gnome hats will become as popular as the Mickey Mouse ears - who knows?

Maybe someone will make me a tall gnome cap. Maybe too much? All in fun of course. I get the point. :-) All is well.

Berryball Playoffs 2011

Gnome Berryball Playoffs 2011

Yes, gnomes play ball games. I’ve read they play a form of rugby. Kind of difficult with a tall pointed red hat, but they seem to enjoy getting wet and dirty. Berryball is like our soccer played by children and adult men. They use a fat rose hip or a fresh snow berry. There are neighborhood fans cheering on both sides. Lots of food cooked over their little fireplaces. Of course, beer and lots of it for both players and fans alike. It must be played in the early morning light, which is towards the end of their day. The little guys have very fast feet and carry lots of speed. That would be quite a sight to see! I wonder if they have little numbers on their backs? From what I can learn, they all look alike. Perhaps the numbers are attached to their tall hats.

Coming up is Berryball Sunday, Feb. 6. There will probably be many full little stomachs and
hangovers. One thing they may not have is Berryball commercials, but then again I don’t know for sure. I’ve heard the “Forest Fir Climbers” are favorites over the “Garden Grape Crushers.” Will advise. Win or loose, it would be a great event to watch. That’s where the extra snow berries have gone!

Enjoy the games and your friends. It all seems to be great fun. All will be well.

Gnomes and Birds

You will find gnomes and birds are the best of friends and, like best friends, depend on each other. A good gnome will always have a pocket full of dry bird seed to share. Probably very early morning as they meet at the first sign of daylight.

A gnome will also move  a forest log to expose fresh bugs or worms for their bird friends. Gnomes are said to be 7 - 10 times stronger than a man for their size. They love smashing dried poppy seed heads. What the birds don’t eat goes into bread making or likely a drink.

When gnomes need special transportation, they call upon a pheasant with a specially attached little basket around its neck. For long trips, we know they call upon geese which are used to flying long distances. Think of them as the 747 of gnome travel.  So, when it comes to helping friends, the gnomes take very good care of the birds and they return the favor. Not sure about chickens, but one can just see a chubby little gnome rolling away a few fresh eggs for breakfast! One egg would feed the whole family.

Spring is a long way away yet. The more bird seed the better for the birds and gnomes.

All is well in our forest here in the Pacific Northwest. Big weekend ahead. Gnomes Berry Ball Playoff. More on gnome games soon. Beer and Berry Ball. Sounds familiar!

GNOME DOORS

Gnome Door, Cedar

Gnome Door, Fir

When we see an artistic garden gate, or a large unique driveway entrance, we subconsciously wonder what is behind it as it  pulls our interest beyond the gate.

I feel the same way about gnome doors and the illusions they trigger in one’s imagination. That’s what I want to happen when you place a gnome door at the base of your favorite tree. I think the more whimsical and natural, and the more real gnome like the better. Plastic doors and windows made in China, just don’t stimulate my imagination.



If you do not have a natural gnome home, then I think you should find the best looking natural real wood door you can find. Let’s say you have a small grove of  trees outside your window.

Setting out a few well designed little doors with soft ground level 12 volt DC lighting at night will landscape your small grove into an imaginary gnome village. How fun! Can you see it in your mind now? Perfect! All will be very well. Need help? Let me “gnome” - ha ha

Gnome Homes

Gnome Home from Birch Log

Thatched Roof Gnome Home

Gnome Homes in a garden setting

From what I have read and heard, the gnome homes vary in appearance across the US and around the world. We  build special log woodland homes and very cute garden gnome homes for those who want to attract our little helpers. Just like bird houses, the use of all natural old logs and forest materials comes together as an attractive and inviting home. No plastic or paint!

Gnomes make various natural color dies for fabric, wood, ceramics, etc. Red for their hats, blue for the jacket and brown for their pants. One I use myself to color new wood to look old and gray is made from steel wool, rusty old nails and white distilled vinegar made up like a tea. You can use red wine too, but only if it went bad and you can’t drink it! A gnome isn’t going to waste wine for coloring.

Gnome home placement: somewhat hidden but yet visible. A grouping of three or more in a small village setting will always bring smiles to both gnomes and humans. I will include some pictures of new settings this Spring. Gnome homes bring goodness and happiness to all and that means all is well.

Oh Beer Me!

The origin of gnomes can been found in early Scandinavian folk lore going back to approximately 1200 A.D., I’ve come to learn. They migrated to Germany, Russia and most of Western Europe. With that migration, their love of beer is no surprise. They have mastered the art of beer making and no doubt continue to refine that to this day. The basic ingredients are easily found: wheat, rice, hops, barley, yeast, etc. They use what is available.

We planted hops here last year for their foliage and likely some of those hops were taking for beer making. Little did we know, but all to a good cause. Got to keep our little friends happy. If I ever find a small beer keg, I’ll be sure to provide a photo.

Gnomes also make berry wines and fruit drinks which they also consume in volume. Perhaps there is more to the name, “beer garden” - likely a lively spot in the middle of the night!

It all comes together as the gnomes have found a pleasant balance of hard work, hard play and family. Sounds like a very good mix to me. Come Spring, fill those snail tins in your garden with beer. You never know!

All is well. “Gulp” - ha ha ha