Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/giftsdecor.html

Gneighborly Gnomes
March/April 2001
Ryan Campbell, Johnson's Ridge Nursery Manager, Kansas Certified Nurseryman

    This spring, as you find yourself drawn to the garden, please
remember to watch your step. I don't mean to imply that a neighborhood
pest has prematurely fertilized your rose bush! On the contrary, some
new friends may be in your area É garden gnomes. Gnomes? I realize that
the idea sounds a bit like fantasy, but they do exist. I've seen them
with my own eyes!

    In the past weeks I've noticed a change around the store. Each
morning when I arrive, I hear the shuffling of little feet. The store
itself looks sparkling clean, even more so than usual. Have we hired a
nightly cleaning crew? No, it's our new friends the gnomes. They have
made their home here at Johnson's.

    Gnomes are found in all parts of the old world and are beginning a
migration to our neck of the woods. Their populations are relatively
small in the Midwest, but a movement from the w region is beginning to
bring more and more into Wichita and the surrounding areas. The first
scouts have set up their homes here at the stores in hopes of finding a
more permanent settlement in the garden of some kind soul like you.

    Gnomes can be more than just our guests. They are warm- hearted,
caring little beings who bring joy to all who encounter them. Kindness
is one quality that sets gnomes apart from other mystical creatures of
the forest. They are always willing to lend a helping hand.

    Family values are another endearing quality these little people
possess. Fathers teach their sons woodworking skills, glass blowing and
metallurgy. Mothers teach household duties to their daughters and
provide immeasurable amounts of love. Gnomes have a wonderful childhood.

    The gnomes at Johnson's are gnomes of the first class. They are
friendly and helpful and provide us with hours of joy. If you have room
in your garden for a gnome, they are sure to do the same for you.

    Stop by one of Johnson's locations and check out the wide variety of
friendly gnome faces and personalities we have ready for you to take
home today.