Whether you love them or hate them, we're all familiar with gnomes decorating gardens. But when did they start cropping up? And why?
What are garden gnomes
Standing between one and two feet tall, garden gnomes are lawn ornament figurines used as decoration.
You may have noticed that apart from the colour and style of their outfits, most garden gnomes look pretty similar, with long hair and a beard and pointy hat. They are often taking part in leisurely pastimes like sleeping or fishing.
The history of garden gnomes
First produced in Germany in the early 1800s, garden gnomes were typically made out of clay.
It wasn't until around the 1840s that these cheeky little fellas started appearing in English gardens, which is when they really started to become popular.
Garden gnomes began being mass-produced in the 1870s back in Germany where the two major gnome manufacturers were Philipp Griebel and August Heissner. Many gnomes were made in Gräfenroda, a town in Thuringia known for its ceramics. Even today, Griebel gnomes are a particular favourite.
Sadly, most of the garden gnome production in Germany was wiped out due to the World Wars and in the 1960s, the plastic gnomes that are frequently seen nowadays replaced most of their clay counterparts.
While many people dislike the cheaper, plastic gnomes, it is still possible to buy clay and resin gnomes that are completed by hand.
Buy why gnomes?
Did you know that according to folklore, gnomes are a symbol of good luck?
Initially, it was believed that gnomes provided protection for buried treasure and minerals in the ground and actually, there are still used today for this very purpose but instead to watch over crops and livestock.
There are plenty of fun variations around if you fancy adding something silly to your garden to raise a smile.
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Garden gnomes to buy
1 of 4LA JOLIE MUSE Resin Garden Figurine
Inspired by a Scandinavian tale, this Tomte Gnome acts as a wonderful addition to brighten up your backyard. It also offers solar-powered Illumination.
£30.99
2 of 4Garden Gnome ‘Artur’
A genuine garden gnome made from clay, this little guy is shaped from clay, then fired for an authentic addition to your garden.
3 of 4Country Living Garden Gnome
This quirky garden ornament is crafted from weather-resistant resin from a handmade clay mould. He carries a wooden wheelbarrow with a small space for a plant.
£30.4
4 of 4Teeyyui Resin Garden Ornament
For something a little tongue in cheek, what about this cheeky peeing gnome with a beer by his feet? He's sure to make your visitors smile.
£14.98