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Nothing divides people like the subject of little men with fishing rods in the garden. The garden gnome is often the cause of heated debate. You either love them or hate them. There is a lot of prejudice when it comes to these garden accessories. Some people are closet collectors, not daring to admit to work colleagues of their secret shame and hiding one or two specimens behind the potting shed. Others proudly display their little family for all to see and admire.
It's all the fault of a German called Phillip Griebel, who made the first ones in the mid-1800s. He was inspired by the local legend of gnomes who toiled in the garden at night, whilst the owners slept. Their popularity grew and they sprouted in numerous gardens across Europe. A man named Sir Charles Isham visited Germany and brought the first sample back to the UK. Today, they are still made in the traditional way, from terracotta clay but many are now produced from plastic resin.
They are especially prevalent in English suburban homes, although they are forbidden from being displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show, the most prestigious flower show in the country. This is viewed as blatant snobbery by the garden gnome lobby!
The object of this controversy is ignorant of the furor he causes. He is too busy, sitting and fishing in the pond or weeding with his trowel. He is seen in a number of innocent pastimes but some modern designs have put him in indiscreet poses. These are not for family viewing and mooning gnomes are an affront to the more conventional collector.
A lot of fun is had with the little fellows and many a practical joke has been played on owners. The garden gnome is under constant threat of being kidnapped! Sometimes, the kidnapper sends a photograph to the distraught owner and demands a ransom. Some are sent on cruises or returned to the wild. There is even an Italian organization called Garden Gnome Liberation Front. A website has been set up that has a database for gnomes that have been taken. Owners can place information about their lost loved ones and plea for their return. Abductors can post their pictures and detail their ransom demands. Fortunately, most owners have a good sense of humor!
Whether they are looked on as a family friend or a gross slice of kitsch, they are part of the culture. Like greenfly or ants, they will not go away. How much would an owner pay to get their garden gnome back? Would they be prepared to trade in a relative for its return?
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