Well-Gnome Spirits of the Garden

From Germany, the country of its origin, to every other place on the globe, you'll find the elusive garden gnome hiding out in lush green yards, desert rock gardens and tropical trails. Originally made of a special formulation of German terracotta clay, today's garden gnomes are also fashioned from plastic, ceramics and resins. They are one of the world's most common types of outdoor art, bringing pleasure to gardeners, children and families everywhere.

Birth of an elemental spirit

In the 16th century, Swiss alchemist Paraclesus first used the word gnomus to describe a spirit about two hands high - an earth elemental - that could move through earth like humans move through air. They were shy around humans. They became a common character in stories, gaining a reputation for helping in the garden at night. Drawing from those stories, a 19th century ceramicist in Thuringia, Germany, began making small garden gnomes to sell. They caught on quickly and spread throughout Germany, France and England. Other manufacturers began producing gnomes, and they became a perennial fixture in gardens everywhere.

Others think it's possible garden gnomes are descended from the Greco-Roman fertility god Priapus, statues of whom are often found in ancient gardens.

In some places, the garden gnome is the victim of a prank called gnoming. People sneak into yards and kidnap the pixie-ish statues, saying they are returning them to the wild. France and Italy boast well-organized foundations jokingly devoted to the freedom of the garden gnomes. It became a custom to send kidnapped gnomes around the world.

Choose your gnome

Today, gardeners can choose from many different styles of gnomes, made from a wide variety of materials. Classic terracotta garden gnomes are still made in Germany using the original clay formula and some of the exact same molds. In fact, it's estimated that more than 25 million gnomes exist in gardens throughout that country.

Garden gnomes almost always have red hats and full white beards. Classic gnomes wear buttoned jackets with traditional flowered edges, dark pants and work boots. Modern day gnomes wear sports jerseys for favorite teams or camouflage, with hats of other colors, and there are now female gnomes.

Classic garden gnomes are carved or molded in different poses. Some are at work in the garden, using axes, spades or watering cans. Others are relaxing, often with a pipe or fishing rod. Still others are pursuing the arts or education, holding items such as books or musical instruments. Contemporary gnomes can be doing anything from striking against work to playing golf.

How could you have gnome?

When shopping for garden gnomes, look for a size and style to fit your personality, but also to fit the space you plan to put it. Some collectible gnomes are not suitable, either by size or material, for the outdoors. They're too small to see from the house, and would be destroyed by sun, heat, freezing cold and rain.

For best results, if you want a real garden gnome to reside in your garden, choose a gnome manufactured especially to withstand outdoor conditions. Pick one that is a foot or two high, so you can see it from the house. To increase its life, apply a coating of protective lacquer or varnish. Clay gnomes should be suspended slightly above the soil on a pole to avoid deterioration of the base. Otherwise, follow manufacturer's suggestions for installation and care of your garden gnomes.

Once you've populated your garden with a gnome or two, don't be surprised if you find some of your gardening has been done while you're sleeping.

"Gnomes live ten times faster than humans." ---Author Terry Pratchett: Wings