No... it is NOT a Stone Mushroom!!!

They are

Staddle Stones

And what exactly

is a

STADDLE STONE ?????

First used

in the 18thc

foundations for farmers 

throughout the U K

to erect thatched huts to store

grain/feed 

for the animals

the staddle stones 

are shaped as they are 

to prevent 

rodents from climbing up and into the hut

Today

Staddle stones

make

a terrific architectural

and decorative addition

to any garden

 

Best 

are those found 

with thick moss

growing on the top

or even on the base

Older ones

have various types of lichen

growing on the surface

contributing

to a gorgeous

naturally weathered patina

Because of the type

and heft of the stone

they can withstand 

the coldest of climates

On our most recent buying trip

to England

we were fortunate

to find and purchase

some of the oldest

and best looking

staddle stones 

we have seen in years

All of which 

will be waiting

to find 

a new garden 

to adorn!!