History of the Mystical Gnome:

Garden gnomes were customarily handmade in terracotta clay and were treasured, collectible ornaments that stayed in the family and were passed down through generations. Gnomes are generally about 8 to 24 inches tall. They look like the original people of their creation. A Beijing gnome is Chinese in appearance, a gnome created in Peru will resemble a Peruvian and so on. Besides their small size, a major difference between the mystical gnomes and humans is their sense of good humor. Garden gnomes lack the human ability for worrying, appearing as joyful and jolly and, as a result, folklore says that they live for several hundred years.

How the Garden Gnome came into existence:

Gignosko (Greek word for learning and understanding) grants them insight into the spirits of all living and non-living beings and objects. Their unique duty was supervising and surveying the mineral treasures of the earth. This, perhaps, is where the garden gnome derived from - Folklore. Gardeners use Garden gnomes not only as garden decorative pieces but also to guard and protect the gardens. Garden gnomes are known for their character that is said to be caring and gentle. Garden gnomes were most popular in Victorian gardens. Their popularity has re-emerged in the past decade. Garden gnomes have, in recent years, even been created to resemble politicians and celebrities.

Purchasing a garden gnome:

Garden gnome prices vary, depending on the size and style of gnome you chose. An antique garden gnome can cost many hundreds of dollars. A simple, small plastic gnome design can cost from $10.00 up to $100.00, depending on the size of the gnome. A wide variety can be located and purchased through use of the internet, where one can search for the garden gnome that appeals to their personality and attracts them the most from the many websites currently available. Additionally, gnomes can be purchased at local gardening centers without the extra costs of shipping involved in purchasing on the internet. There is so much variety in garden gnomes that you could add many gnomes to your garden and they would all represent a distinctly different thing and retain their individual uniqueness. They will each present a separate facial expression, posture and clothing.

Using the garden gnome in your garden:

If you know the history of the type of garden gnome you chose and you chose to follow legend and permit him to "stand guard" in your garden, you should also learn what specific role that gnome played in this mystic tale and what his "assignment" was in a garden. After you know this, you can place him in the proper position in your garden.

As most garden gnomes are "protectors and guards" the garden, it is assumed that the most appropriate placement for him is in a position where he can see the complete garden. But it is recommended that he be placed in an obscure position to avoid the watchful eyes of "gnome liberation groups" who regularly steal gnomes to release them back into their natural habitat.

While garden gnomes are a great asset to any garden, adding a sense of personality and fun, not all people feel they are appropriate in a garden setting. Many groups, predominantly throughout France, have become known as "gnome liberators" and are infamous for stealing garden gnomes. Garden gnomes happen to be the most often stolen garden ornament to date. The press regularly reports outrageous attacks even on undisruptive outdoor gnomes. Vandalism is common.