Funny Garden Gnomes - Where to Find Funny Gnomes

Garden gnomes are quite popular in gardens these days, and some of the most popular are gnomes in some strange and unconventional positions.  Here is a little background on where garden gnomes originated, and a look at some of the funny garden gnomes you can buy today.

Garden gnomes have become a staple of yards and gardens everywhere. Where did they come from and why are they so popular? Everywhere you look today, gnomes and other fairy tale creatures are making appearances. They have shown up in movies and popular literature. They are often described as being pesky guests that are known for being clever and deceiving. To understand why gnomes are such a big part of our culture today, it is important to know where they came from and why they became a popular garden item.

The legend of gnomes goes all the way back to a collective memory of Western and European folklore. The Brothers Grimm did a short series called 'The Gnome' and talked about the lives of gnomes in general. The essence of this short series is that gnomes have both good and bad sides to them. The most famous of these stories is that clothing is given to two gnomes and they decide to help a cobbler and his spouse for the rest of their little lives. This is one reason why gardens and gnomes are so intertwined. These stories frequently told how gnomes would help in the gardens and were very skilled with plants and nurturing the earth. Once these stories became mainstream, a man by the name of Phillip Griebel decided to enhance the history of garden gnomes by manufacturing small terra cotta gnomes for the gardens of people in the city of Graefenroda, Germany. This happened in the early nineteenth century and quickly became very popular in gardens across the entire continent. They were then eventually taken over to England by Sir Charles Isham in 1847. These original lawn gnomes are extremely expensive to buy and are usually on display by different museums throughout Europe.

As far as production goes, gnomes used to be produced all over Europe but then concentrated over to the Czech Republic and Poland. Throughout the years garden gnomes have been loved and hated alike. Some people hate the brightly colored figurines because they feel they detract from the natural beauty of the garden. Others believe that the gnomes have a superstitious watch over their gardens and actually keep them safe.

Despite all of the controversy, the history of garden gnomes continues on. Gnomes tend to be a popular favorite for gardens everywhere. They represent a rich history of fantasy and beauty. Even though some people portray them as pests and mischief makers they still hold their place as guardians of the earth and helpers to the kind soul in need of assistance.