Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Garden Gnomes originate?

Decoration or Renaissance Man?

One might come to the conclusion that Garden Gnomes only existed within the imagination of gardeners around the world, when, in fact the miniature human - like creatures became a popular garden figure during the  Renaissance period in Europe. By the late 18th century, porcelain "House Dwarfs" had begun to be produced commercially in Europe and Germany.
Garden gnomes have become a popularnecessity in many gardens. They are often the target of practical jokes and pranks known as "Gnoming" people have been known to return garden gnomes "to the wild." Some "kidnapped" garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world. One could even say this prank became the basis for Travelocity's travelling gnome.
 In 2008, a 53-year-old man was arrested in Brittany on suspicion of stealing upwards of 170 garden gnomes.
Tell me more.....
Garden gnomes are typically males, often sporting a beard,  usually wear red hats and often have have a prop with them like a shovel, or lamp.They are made in various poses and pursuing various pastimes just like humans. There's a gnome at our house riding a rabbit like a horse, one napping on a toadstool, and one standing up just smiling.
Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, and have been banned from the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show as the organisers claim that they detract from the garden designs.The ban was lifted just for 2013 the 100 year anniversary of Gnomes.
What are gnomes made of?

Gnomes may be made from terracotta clay slip (runny clay) poured into molds. This is allowed to set up and the excess emptied from the centre, leaving a clay shell. The gnome is removed from the mold when firm, allowed to dry and then fired in a kiln like pottery until hard. Once cooled, the gnome is painted. More modern gnomes are made from resins and similar materials.