Lawn Gnomes

	What is it about lawn gnomes (sometimes called garden gnomes that people find so appealing? Is it perhaps that adults are transported back to a time of childhood magic, where sleeping princesses were wakened by a kiss, and geese were capable of laying golden eggs? Or do children just delight in playing in the yard near a garden gnome who is an ever watching presence and comfort? Whatever the reason, lawn gnomes are appearing in gardens and yards all over the world. They take us away from our everyday life, and take us back to a time of innocence and youth. Many popular artists are now taking full command of this gnome-mad way of life and adding their special touches to these whimsical creatures. Introduced to us as children in various fairy tales, these hidden people have a rich history. When threatened, they have the ability to change into mushrooms. Staying hidden in the earth, they are fierce protectors of the earth and of all of nature. With pointed red cap, whiskered chin, and far from suitable hygiene habits, they gather in the forest, or inhabit your home under your floorboards. They are cheerful folk who would do no harm. In the Seventeenth Century, these story book creatures were transformed into garden figurines. One surfaced in Germany at the estate of the eccentric spiritualist Sir Charles Isham. Thought to believe good luck and good fortune, he placed this gnome in his garden where it was soon joined by other gnomes. Although their appearance pleased Sir Charles, his children were frightened by their presence. Recently the only survivor of this first group of gnomes was insured for over one million dollars. Twenty-one gnomes were imported from Germany to Britain in 1840. Made of terracotta, these original gnomes were a much heavier material then their plastic counterparts of today. Lawn gnomes today cane be found made of clay, plaster, resin, plastic even fiberglass. One such counterpart was recently lifted out of someone’s yard in North Carolina and taken on a world-wide tour. Dubbed the Roaming Gnome this little fella has appeared under many a famous landscape in photographs on the Internet and is now a spokesperson…er spokes-gnome for Travelocity. He is truly living the gnome-maddic way of life. In response to this publicity there has sprung up in Europe a Gnome Liberation Front, whose goal is to free all the enslaved lawn gnomes in the world. The website encourages its members to steal all the gnomes they can from the indignities they suffer by being constantly exposed to the elements, becoming a bird perch, or a target for bird-droppings. What they aren’t clear on is what to do with all these pilfered gnomes? Although some people may believe these gnomes are frightening, and wouldn’t step in the same garden where one is hanging about, it is clear that there is a great following of gnome fanciers, and barring an invasion of fire breathing dragons swooping out of the sky to grab the lawn gnomes in their claws, and fly them out of existence, it is clear that gnomes have lasting power, a strong fan club, and they are here to stay.