Kabouters

Garden statues of all kinds are very popular in Europe.  

A few weeks ago we went to a public garden nearby for a special gnome event.

I'm not really sure why this garden exists or who maintains it.  It was kind of strange . . . 

and kind of interesting.  There were plenty of shrubs like this one which someone obviously spent years creating and pruning.

This is a bench.

This is probably a globe - not sure if it's accurate.

The gnomes were scattered throughout the garden - these appear to be praying to this cross.

Well, it's obvious what these are doing and apparently it's directed at . . .

the "crisis".  In other words, the economic situation worldwide.

Translation:  She will not get us down.

More shrubbery art.  Pruning is also very popular in Europe.

They really are cute and . . .

and I can see why every garden needs one.

Kabouter - that's the Dutch word for gnome.

Garden gnomes originated in Germany and have been around for more than a couple hundred years.

The colors of the Belgian flag - hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil?

Some are truly works of art.

That's Jim and Ross in the huge basket in the center of the garden.

There.  That's better.

And here are our two adorable garden gnomes.

By Randi :)