Little Garden Gnomes Bring Big Whimsy to the Yard

Garden gnomes are quirky little statues that pop up in flower beds throughout America and Europe. But where did gnomes come from? Love them or leave them, gnomes have an interesting history.

For hundreds of years, these mythical beings have figured in folklore and legends in cultures across Europe, from Germany to Iceland.

The word gnome is believed to come from the Latin “gnomus” or Greek “gnosis.” Both terms reference an “earth dweller.”

As gnomes were said to protect the earth and guard plant life, it seems natural that the whimsical wood and ceramic representations of these creatures might be found in the garden. 

The garden gnome statues we’re familiar with today most likely trace their roots to Germany and Austria, where small, carved figures began appearing in the 1700s. Most of these were used as table decorations. They were popular in the homes of miners, as gnomes supposedly stashed their treasure inside the mountains.

Sir Charles Isham, a British aristocrat and traveler, is credited with introducing the first garden gnome to England around 1847. He brought nearly two dozen of the little fellows home with him from Germany and scattered them throughout the large alpine garden he constructed at his family estate in Northamptonshire.

Gnomes have appeared in books, movies, games, art and various British estates. However, not everyone appreciates these fanciful fellows.

Through the years, gnome garden statues have been the butt of jokes and the prey of pranksters who steal them from their garden homes to hide them elsewhere. In fact, at least one esteemed British flower show has banned gnomes from its displays.

Regardless of their critics, many people continue to appreciate the playful whimsy of a garden gnome. They remain colorful and affordable yard art.

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Traditional garden gnomes are stout little figures with full beards and pointy hats. They are often depicted working or smoking a pipe.

Gnome figures originally were made from wood or clay, but modern gnomes are often cast in stone, ceramics, fiberglass and resin.

You can still tell garden gnomes by their white whiskers and pointy hats, but today’s figures present a broad range of occupations and poses.

Gnomes typically feature stout bodies garbed in a belted working shirt and trousers. Some garden gnomes wear long tunics that hide their legs and feet.

Want to add a little garden whimsy even at night? Solar garden gnomes soak up the sun’s energy during the day to power tiny but bright built-in LED lights after dark.

Are you looking to add some fun and personality to your yard? Their long and engaging history make garden gnomes the original whimsical garden decor.

The best part is, there are so many affordable and adorable styles and sizes to add charm to your garden, patio, porch or doorstep.

We urge you to explore our wide variety of gnome statues in ceramic and resin, as well as our selection of wood and metal gnome garden stakes.

And if you can’t bear to say goodbye to your gnomes when the weather turns, take a look at our large selection of Christmas gnomes for holiday decorating!

Whimsy is in the eye of the beholder! What kind of garden decor charms you or makes you smile? Find what speaks to you and build around it.

One place to start is by adding outdoor decor that represents flowers and animals.

For instance, outdoor pillows and cushions in colorful floral prints can add a whimsical touch to a porch or patio. Some outdoor rugs also sport floral designs. Add annuals to a quirky planter, or even a floral doormat.

Bird lovers can entice feathered friends to their yard with bird houses, bird feeders and bird baths. Extend the theme with garden and house flags featuring birds.

Best of all, whimsical design has few restraints. Quirky wall decor, wind chimes and garden art are simple accessories that don’t have to follow a theme or rules.

Choose what you like and put it together any way you like. Whimsy means being playful, imaginative and unpredictable, so make your whimsical garden a delightful expression of your lighthearted side.