Kitsch is defined by several dictionaries as relating to poor quality or gaudy art objects that appeal to "low-brow" taste. But in the garden, kitsch categorizes folksy or commercial art that's viewed condescendingly by some, and with irony by others. It's this irony (this stuff is so bad it's good) that has made items such as pink flamingos and garden gnomes more widely popular in recent years.
Garden gnomes have long been popular in Europe, especially in the middle European countries of Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. In fact, the city of Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic has declared 2004 to be the Year of the Gnome.
Worldwide popularity of these dwarvish creatures was given a boost after the release of the French film Amelie in 2001. The title character in that movie, frustrated by her father's refusal to travel in his retirement, abducts his garden gnome and sends it around the world with a flight attendant friend.
But from where did these garden creatures spring? The word "gnome" comes from the same root word as the verb "to know."
It is thought that gnomes were named by Paracelsus, a 16th century physician and alchemist. Paracelsus authored a theory of the elements that included the belief that gnomes had occult knowledge of the earth.
From that theory sprang folklore tales that established a mythical society for gnomes. People said that gnomes expressed greetings, farewells and goodnights by rubbing noses. They developed stories that the creatures lived to 400 years, with the male gnomes greying very early in life and indulging in pipe-smoking.
Gnomes were divided by folklore into different types, with the house gnome and the garden gnome being the most represented. People believed that gnomes were a good luck charm, a symbol that the forces of nature were on their side. In parts of Europe, statues of garden gnomes have been, and still are, considered status symbols of success.
So much have gnomes captured the popular imagination, that in July 2003 Australia saw "Take your garden gnome to work" day, and recently the BBC urged listeners to hunt out "gnome-infested" gardens in central England. Although tongue-in-cheek, the BBC's disclaimer to take no risks because they "believe (gnomes) are still a potential source of harm" carries on the folklore legends.
In addition, several gnome "liberation" groups profess to free the statues from enslavement in gardens across America and Europe.
According to legend, house and garden gnomes help with chores around the home, like sweeping the floor or planting. This is the reason many statues of gnomes hold hammers, axes or shovels, or are pushing wheelbarrows.
Many contemporary statues depict gnomes sunbathing, swinging and otherwise relaxing. Several modern artists have specialized in creating statues and painting of gnomes, and many people are avid collectors. Others have opted out of the gnome movement, based on the gnomes' legendary association to spirits and the occult.
Will there be a gnome in your garden?
About The Author
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at http://www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
Do you want to add something to your outdoor space... Read More
To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More
Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is... Read More
Palms Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the... Read More
You'll often hear garden writers recommending the use of Epsom... Read More
Do you love to sit outdoors and swing for hours... Read More
You have spent hours of time and quite a lot... Read More
Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More
How do you make those flowers bloom where they are... Read More
Are you looking for a way to spruce up your... Read More
When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I... Read More
Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More
It's quiet now.Gone is the constant chatter, whistles and meowing... Read More
Are your making mountains out of your molehills? Although lawn... Read More
Roses are an old standby for any garden and one... Read More
Flower bulbs need a good, long, winters sleep. Like some... Read More
So. The water garden bug has bitten. You've dug and... Read More
The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called... Read More
Flowering cherries While the briefness of their... Read More
This is the time of the year that I keep... Read More
A rose is a rose is a rose - and... Read More
"Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade." -Rudyard... Read More
There is nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a... Read More
When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More
Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without... Read More
Garden lovers around the world love putting fountains among their... Read More
Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More
It is wisest to let Nature have Her way. Nature... Read More
No, ghosts of the Donner Party have not started haunting... Read More
If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More
There are so many plants available for you to choose... Read More
The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More
Landscape wallpaper can be a great addition to your computer's... Read More
For many parts of the country, it's getting to be... Read More
To keep wood garden sheds, arbors, or trellises looking their... Read More
Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but... Read More
Recently I got involved with gardening. Preior to that, all... Read More
Just about right now, we start to see moss on... Read More
Damping off is the single term used to describe underground,... Read More
DendrobiumsThis month I am focusing our attention to the care... Read More
Dried plants and dried flowers are midway for people who... Read More
Gardening is a hobby that brings joy, entertainment, and a... Read More
It's August, the weather has cooled a bit here and... Read More
Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various... Read More
Purchased corn, whether on the cob or in a can... Read More
The flittering of the butterfly through your garden is no... Read More
One of the long standing myths that I still hear... Read More
Bird watching brings enjoyment to many people. Selecting and correct... Read More
Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More
Roses are a sign of love and friendship and by... Read More
Worms are not only the gardener's best friend, they are... Read More
Native wildflowers are those that were growing naturally in the... Read More
Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become... Read More
It's not difficult to create a garden that will attract... Read More
How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More
If you've been gardening for any length of time you... Read More
There is a magical quality to porch swings. In his... Read More
When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I... Read More
Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from... Read More
If you live in an apartment or town home, you... Read More
"The Ancient Art of Placement" called Feng Shui (pronounced phung... Read More
There are many varied definitions of what each color of... Read More
Principles refer to standards or prescriptions for working with or... Read More
Through the use of various mediums pertaining to the outdoors,... Read More
We all know one disadvantage of flowers is that they... Read More
Do pests 'gopher' your lawn? Chances are, if you have... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |