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Skilled craftsmen were brought in to local farm. Each branch had been cut and a recent interview. “They have no idea how
build the new Hobbit holes, fences and cre- numbered so the tree could be bolted back big it is, and the detail - I suppose for want of
ate authentic looking handmade pots, wood together on top of the Hobbit hole. Thou- a better word - it actually blows them away,
piles, clotheslines and chopping blocks sands of artificial leaves were imported from what’s involved in making a major movie.”
complete with axes. The bricks used in the Taiwan and individually wired onto the dead Our group of walked down the path from
chimneys and houses were made on site. To tree to bring it to life for the film. When he Bilbo Baggin’s house to the Village Green
patina fences and facades, workers applied saw the finished tree, Jackson didn’t like the anchored by the party tree where several
a vinegar and yogurt mixture to encourage color of the leaves and had each leaf repaint- scenes from the books and the movies took
lichen growth. The village garden burst with ed by hand to get the look right. Shire 2.0 place. Bilbo had his farewell Birthday Party
plump vegetables and flowers. took two years to complete. speech her with and lanterns were hung in
A 26-ton oak tree overlooking Bilbo’s “When the tourists come here they don’t its branches before leaving the Shire on his
home was cut down and brought in from a quite know what to expect,” said Russell in quest. And here is where they found the tree

Wine Dine & Travel 2016 21