In our manic world, it’s not often one stops to think about garden gnomes. Depending on who you ask, that is a very sad thing indeed.
The classic garden ornament has a strange and surprising history with origins that can be traced back to Ancient Rome when emperors hired real-life hermits to live in and protect their lush gardens. Hanging around flowers and crops all day: sounds like an easy gig, right? Well, not exactly.
Some job rules included not washing, not speaking and not trimming fingernails or toenails. Called ‘ornamental hermits’, the trend reemerged in the 18th Century amongst the Georgian elite of England before small statues made by German sculptor Phillip Griebel became a more acceptable (and cost-efficient) alternative.
Gnomes aren’t to everyone’s taste; the figurines have been banned from the Chelsea Flower Show since 2006, except for the event’s centenary celebrations in 2013 when they were permitted to join the party.
Yet for all the pearl-clutching squawks over garden decor taste, many British gardens still welcome the small, dwarf-like creatures.
They’re said to protect gardens and properties at night from thieves and marauding spirits. Some see them as mischievous guardians of the Earth, keeping watch over treasure and minerals buried beneath the soil. Others think they’re lucky; many more see them as simply a hoot, a way to inject humour into their hedges.
Hollywood has even given the pointed-capped statues some love, making them culturally relevant once more; think the globe-trotting gnome in Amelie and the 2011 film Gnomeo and Juliet, based on the Shakespearean classic.
Best garden gnomes at a glance
- Best for uber chic gardeners: Brown and Ginger 60cm Tall Large Fibreglass Gnomes - £85, Etsy
- Best for unexpected: Garden Gnomes Ornaments - £11.69, Amazon
- Best for old school with a twist: B&Q Traditional Garden Gnome With Light-Up Flower Pot - £20.99, B&Q
- Best for throwing shapes: George at Asda Disco Gnome - £7, Asda
- Best for Scandi vibes: B&Q Terrastyle Grey, Blue Polystone Gnome Garden ornament - £28, B&Q
- Best for cartoonish charm: TK Maxx Green Garden Garden Gnome 34cm - £9.99, TK Maxx
- Best for picture-perfect gardens: Garden by Sainsbury's Mr. Gnome Garden Ornament - £12, Argos
- Best for indoor plants: URBNLIVING 4Pcs Hanging Flower Pot Gift Gnome Indoor Outdoor Garden Decoration Ornaments - £13.89, Amazon
And, as trends tend to move in cycles, are we only a few, short years away from a modern gnome revival? Wise to get in on the ground floor and invest now.
Shop the best in show garden gnomes below
Brown and Ginger 60cm Tall Large Fibreglass Gnomes
Best for: uber chic gardeners
If the high-gloss finish on this fibreglass gnome doesn’t convince you to bring one of these lads home, nothing will. The refined 60cm-tall figures are made by a small British business and as such, should be kept indoors as kitsch homeware rather than being put to work in the garden. It doesn’t hurt that the friendly face is the spitting image of one of the UK’s finest festival organisers either.
Buy now £85.00, Etsy
Garden Gnomes Ornaments
Best for: unexpected
At this point, there have been many Jurassic Park sequels since the 1993 classic, but tell us this: has there been one with gnomes? Hollywood’s loss is your gain with this silly design that paints a surreal picture of what might occur if the two creatures ever crossed paths.
Buy now £11.69, Amazon
B&Q Traditional Garden Gnome With Light-Up Flower Pot
Best for: old school with a twist
Traditionalists will prize this retro gnome, complete with a painted red pointed hat and simple tunic. The bearded fellow has a secret up his sleeve: the petals in his flowerpot glow thanks to four solar-powered LEDs, giving gardens a sense of whimsy.
There’s also a version holding an illuminated watering can for those who wish to start a garden gnome squad.
Buy now £20.99, B&Q
George at Asda Disco Gnome
Best for: throwing shapes
Working smarter, not harder, this disco-themed gnome combines his work with play. His usual garden rags have been swapped for a snazzy suit, though he knows where his priorities lie by keeping the mirrorball planter close to hand.
Buy now £7.00, Asda
B&Q Terrastyle Grey, Blue Polystone Gnome Garden ornament
Best for: Scandi vibes
England’s not the only European nation obsessed with gnomes: Scandinavian countries love them too. There, the mythical creatures, known as nisse or gonks, live underground which means they’re light-sensitive - hence the low setting of their hats. The thick moustaches and beards paired with red knitted caps make them a favourite Christmas decoration.
This weather-resistant option from B&Q sits in a meditative pose, promoting tranquillity and harmony.
Buy now £28.00, B&Q
TK Maxx Green Garden Garden Gnome 34cm
Best for: cartoonish charm
Regular visitors will know TK Maxx and its sister company are heaving with treasure for both the wardrobe and the home. Right now, this sleek colour-drenched gnome is on shelves, and for a price you really can't quibble with. Also available in white.
Buy now £9.99, TK Maxx
Garden by Sainsbury's Mr. Gnome Garden Ornament
Best for: picture-perfect gardens
Who says chivalry is dead? Not Sainsbury’s little guy, who promises to offer flowers come rain or shine. The handmade figure is finished with painted details at every angle. Place him in a sheltered corner to keep watch over your prized petals.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
URBNLIVING 4Pcs Hanging Flower Pot Gift Gnome Indoor Outdoor Garden Decoration Ornaments
Best for: indoor plants
Think you can skip gnomes for lack of a garden? Think again.
This set of four is designed for hanging on indoor plant pots, vases, balconies and even window boxes. Each character comes in a gently worn pastel-hued finish, and promises to make a fun addition to your greenery.
Buy now £13.89, Amazon
