Tree Stump Gnome Home

BY SKEETER

 HAPPY SPRING! 

Today I shall share a little project I have been working on lately.

It seems we are forever removing trees from our GEORGIA GARDENS. As you can tell from the hole at the bottom of this stump, that this tree had to go. It has since become firewood for us as well as those which helped us remove it. I asked the Saint to keep the stump as is, due to an idea I had brewing in my head.

 For Valentines Day, the Saint and I don't really celebrate a Hallmark holiday as we show our love to each other on a daily basis. But when the Saint asked if I wanted to go out to dinner or anything for the day, I told him I had another plan for us once he was home from work. Using all scrap items we had laying around, I told him what I wanted and he constructed this roof for my project.

 Using more scrap wood, I created doors and windows and a little birdhouse.

 I installed the features while the Azaleas and Redbud were starting to give me a beautiful show. 

 I was pleased with the results thus far.

 Now we have a Gnome Home!

 I found the gnomes at a bargain price some time ago so they have been tucked away in a closet until I could decide their purpose.

 I recently found this little Sleeping Dragon and knew it had to come home with me so as to incorporate my Dear Departed Friend Bernie, AKA the Dragon in my gardens. The greenery is not real but I wanted some instant green in that spot. Once I find a real green plant, I shall replace it.

 I took a log from our firewood stack and made the Dragons perch and placed a log to the back of the display to act as an ending to the Gnome Home Grounds. Little Mushrooms picked up at bargain prices fit in along side some larger rocks I had on hand.

 I planted a couple of red Pentas I found over the weekend and dug out some Liriope that had jumped a planter. In time, they should fill in nicely.

 A couple of $2 turtles fill in as their pets.

 I had recently removed these stepping stones from another area of a garden and put them as their sideway leading to the front door.

 I spread natural earth tone pea gravel around the area as well. Virginia Creeper Vine was going up the tree and a bit remains. I draped it over the roof in hopes it continues to grow.

 We have two other stumps I had planned to Play around with but as you can see, this one has started to rot so I will not waste my time on it.

And the Woodpeckers have found this one.

I know that more than likely, in time this stump will rot away as well. I wish the Azaleas did not die to the freezing temps but otherwise, I love my TREE STUMP GNOME HOME, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

To Gnome, Or Not to Gnome

Why gnome? Another bit of whimsy for the garden that really does bring good luck and prosperity to the garden.

Liking all things cutesy and countrified, I like gnomes. It helps that they are said to watch over and protect the garden. I like that idea as well as their novelty.

No matter who you are, or whether you like garden gnomes or not, you will smile when you see them in your garden.

I have two little gnomes watching over my Coral Bell collection. These garden gnomes where prizes on a Volksmarch in Germany. They are made of clay, though certainly not from the famous gnome factory in Germany called Phillip Griebel Factory. For further information on the factory and history of garden gnomes, visit http://www.zwerglignomes.com/index.shtml.

According to the above website, this little gnome is a cultured gnome. He has a book; which is a symbol of learning. He is not a worker or a gnome of leisure. If he was a worker he would have a pickax or some other working utensil, and if he was a gnome of leisure, he would be smoking a pipe. I never knew this about gnomes and find it interesting.

I like to think my little gnome is most active at night, hence the nighttime picture. Though, as you can see, he seems to be steadfastly on the job, but not too active.

So, I ask you, is it better to gnome? or not to gnome?

in the garden....