Gnomes + Hops = Beer!

A Gnome checking his Hops

Gnomes like beer!

Here is a family tradition that is handed down from generation to generation. It goes way back to 1200 A.D.  and the fine art and enjoyment of making beer. We know gnomes are from Scandinavia and central Europe where beer is like water. The yeast secrets are held within their clans and guarded. Add some fresh hops, barley, wheat, etc. and you have the makings of fine beer. Buried under an old tree stump you can imagine a little brewery turning out little wooden kegs of dark beer. Like wine, storage underground works just fine.

Any chance of celebration, out comes the little kegs to be shared and admired. Lots of friendly family competition I imagine.

Now, when our gnomes can’t tap into some leftover human beer, that’s a bonus! Given their size, it doesn’t take much to get them “happy.” Good times ahead at the next Berry Ball Game.

Hops are easy to grow here in Western Washington and make a tall climbing decorative cover for a garden arbor like grapes do. Combine the two and it is happy time for all.

With that, I’ll “hop” out of here. All is well.

Gnome, Where Are You?

A camouflaged Gnome!

At about 6 inches fully grown, an adult gnome is well camouflaged by the clothes they wear and by hiding in the natural surroundings. Most gnomes sleep all day and only come out at night when humans are not likely to see them. If they are out in daylight, I’d think they would try to blend in the best they can. A garden full of red flowers seems to be a perfect cover. Be it a hanging basket full of big red begonias, or a canopy of bright nasturtiums, you might just get lucky and spot one.

You seldom see historical figures of female gnomes in the stories. They almost never venture that far from their forest home like the men do. Their clothing colors are natural green and dark brown, which camouflages them very well.

Seen or not, many have sensed their presence, or so I’ve been told. Like when you feel someone is watching you, but you can’t tell for sure. They sit for hours watching us. Must be like a human TV show to them. Can’t say we don’t sit ourselves down and watch others! Now, that’s entertainment! See you all later as they say. All is well.

“Pan-da-Gnome-ium”

Okay, that’s a stretch, but I couldn’t pass it up. These gnomes found themselves standing in some vintage pans that I found in our woods. They act like wind chimes (or wind clunkers, bur a better name)  when we have strong winds.

These little people don’t pass up a new opportunity to investigate and have fun. Hanging not far from the ripening blackberries, could be a good resting spot for a snack or shelter from the sun or rain.

Gnomes do have excellent blacksmithing and pottery skills to make their own bowls and pots. Ceramics, glassblowing, metalworking, carpentry and cloth making are but a few of their many talents. When you live to be 400 years old, there is a lot of time to perfect these skills! A few old rusty bowls is nothing more than something to play or hide in. All in fun. Have you ever sat in the spinning tea cups at Disneyland? See, there you go! All is well.

Granddaughter Gnomet Meets Gnome

Okay yes, proud Grandpa with a picture of granddaughter meeting our garden gnome. You have to love the gnome hat and expression. Looks like they both are about the same size. Don’t know who was more excited, granddaughter Leah, or old Ole. He looks kind of frozen with excitement.

Note his beer mug is empty. Too much going on and to be caught out in the open during daylight is very unusual! If our readers have pictures of human and gnome encounters and would like to share them, please forward them to us. We’ll put them up for all to see.

I have a tall red hat on order. This should be something! More on that later.

"Gnome" More Squash!

If squash grew to human size, as it does for gnomes, we’d stand next to a surfboard-tall squash! That’s a lot of bread! I am hoping our little garden friends come to like squash, a lot, and soon. Seems they prefer the strawberries, but then, so do I! The Whimsical Garden has done well this year despite the cool start of summer.

We still have green tomatoes this year and it’s the end of August! Hoping for a hot Fall to ripen them. Being from British and Scandinavian backgrounds, gnomes must like fried green tomatoes. If you haven’t tried a few in a hot pan with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, give it a try. Our garden gnomes must be busy, because everything is growing well. They can have all they can carry away! Just don’t let the deer in anymore. We had our words about that last year.

Blackberries and Marionberries are ripening now - the very thing gnomes need for wine making. I even have two large hops vines loaded with hops for their beer. Gnomes, berries, hops - add a brew master and what could be better? Our little fellows have got to be very happy now. Let’s see what mischief this causes.

All is well

Gnomes Make You Smile!

What is it about gnomes that cause most people to smile when they see a little gnome or one of our gnome homes? What triggers this reaction? Happy thoughts and emotions. Visitors to our booth usually start to smile when the see the gnome homes and figures. I will say the reaction is 99% from females while the "grumpy old men" have no clue. There have been a few exceptions, however. “Old Cedar Log Gnome Village” was requested by a male homeowner!


Is it hidden in our youth? Many tell me family stories of their elders collecting gnomes and telling stories around the campfire years ago. Most have old family memories associated with these happy little people.

The reason may not be a single answer, but a variety of memories and associations that come out, somewhat uncontrollably on our faces. A big smile and deep breath. I appreciate and enjoy that something I do brings smiles to strangers faces.

Thank you for your reactions and smiles. We plan for a lot more. All is well when you smile!

No Place Like Gnome is back!

We are back! Our daughter’s wedding here at Whimsical Woods was a wonderful, colorful and home-centered event. Our focus for many months was the preparation, grooming and landscaping of our home and setting for the special event. That effort took us away from our gnome stories and whimsical fun. That is why you have not seen any new stories and pictures for some time. The story lines are now flowing and the little woodland gnomes here at Whimsical Woods certainly enjoyed the wedding and abundance of left over beer and wine!

I got the suggestion to have more big events here. Nice try. That was it. Now on with the stories and having fun. Glad to “gnome” we were missed!