The garden gnome is probably the best-known decoration for the green oasis. What the opponents of the gnome with the pointed hat perceive as stuffy, the admirers of the decorative element define as traditionally funny. We think: A garden gnome puts you in a good mood. They also? Then buy your next buddy with a pointed hat based on our tips and recommendations!
Plantable garden gnomes are particularly decorative
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Design Toscano Wheelbarrow Willie: Garden Gnome
29.41 EUR To the product| material | casting resin |
|---|---|
| design | classic |
| height | approx. 30.5 cm |
| additional function | Wheelbarrow as a flower pot |
The wheelbarrow Willie is a very classically designed garden gnome from Design Toscano, which offers many creatively designed garden figures. The gnome is made of cast resin; but it seems to be of extremely high quality and therefore robust and durable. This is also confirmed by most reviewers on Amazon. One of the big advantages of the cute garden gnome, which is painted with UV-resistant paint, is the wheelbarrow, which can easily be used as a flower pot. The stylish wheelbarrow Willie is approximately 30.5 centimeters high, 12.5 centimeters wide and 23 centimeters deep. He weighs about a kilogram.
our recommendation
TERESA'S COLLECTIONS Funny garden gnome weatherproof figure with lantern LED solar light 33cm dwarf garden figures made of synthetic resin garden gnome garden decoration figures garden light for outside courtyard balcony
To the product| material | casting resin |
|---|---|
| design | modern |
| height | about 33 cm |
| additional function | solar lantern |
With the garden gnome from the manufacturer TERESA'S COLLECTIONS, the funny design and the solar lantern that the gnome is holding in his right hand are particularly impressive. The lamp is solar powered - so it can be used without a battery or cable. Like the winner in our analytical comparison, the garden gnome is made of cast resin. A funny detail is the green pointed hat that hangs over the garden figure's eyes. Amazon reviewers are mostly enthusiastic. They describe the garden gnome as being of top quality and appearance.
our recommendation
GOM garden gnome with watering can 27 x 15 cm dwarf Germany garden unbreakable PVC decoration 90302
26.99 EUR To the product| material | PVC |
|---|---|
| design | classic |
| height | about 27 cm |
| additional function | - |
The garden gnome from GOM shows a classic garden scene: it has a watering can. Accordingly, it looks very good next to a flower bed, for example. With the white beard and the red pointed hat, the garden figure appears absolutely classically designed. Due to the material - it is made of PVC - the garden gnome Made in Germany is weatherproof and unbreakable. In view of the high quality of workmanship and the loving painting, it is not surprising that Amazon customers have generally rated the garden decoration as excellent.
Purchase Criteria
material
terracotta: The classic garden gnomes are made of fired clay, i.e. terracotta, and have a weather-resistant coating. Care should be taken when handling terracotta gnomes. Unfortunately, stronger touching can quickly lead to a chipped area or even to the breakage of the garden figure.
PVC: Garden gnomes made of PVC are characterized by their robustness and weather resistance. They are also lightweight and - not unimportant to most gardeners - painted as classically as the clay originals. So if you don't necessarily need it in a very traditional way, you'll make a practical choice with a plastic garden gnome.
concrete: Garden gnomes made of concrete are rare - because they have not really proven themselves. The reason for this is the extremely high weight. But: concrete dwarfs are almost indestructible.
plaster: We advise against garden gnomes made of plaster. Despite sealing, the material is not sufficiently weatherproof.
casting resin: Garden gnomes made of cast resin also have disadvantages, especially if they are poorly made. Then they can easily break. They are also often not frost-resistant, which is why you need to secure models made of this material before the onset of winter. Although garden figures made of cast resin and plaster cost less than those made of clay or PVC, they generally perform worse in terms of quality.
design
The original garden gnome is male and appears with a white beard and a red pointed hat. Smiling, he stands in the garden and carries out important gardening work in his individual scene - for example with the wheelbarrow, with the shovel or on the grill. In the meantime, however, there are many alternatives to the classic. The spectrum ranges from cheeky dwarf women to rocking gnomes or gnomes representing a football club to drunk or even naked garden gnomes.
size
Garden gnomes are available in different sizes. In addition to small versions with a height of about 20 to 30 centimeters, there are also giant dwarfs that are 80 to 100 centimeters high. Basically, you choose from a spectrum that ranges from about ten centimeters to a meter. Make your decision dependent on several factors: your taste, the size of your garden and your overall design idea.
Additional functions
plant pot: Many a garden gnome carries a bucket that you can use as a flower pot and plant accordingly. The same often applies to the cute garden figures with wheelbarrows. Always line the respective container with planting foil before planting.
watering can/garden hose: Garden gnomes with a watering can or garden hose can often really be integrated into the garden irrigation system and actually water plants. Sometimes the watering can is only decorative.
solar light: The garden gnome as a solar light is one of the most popular variants of traditional garden decoration. With a working lamp in hand, the gnome becomes a luminous eye-catcher in the green oasis - even at dusk and in the dark.
motion detector: Garden gnomes with motion sensors are funny and useful. For example, they react to incoming visitors with a whistle or another funny sound. They also have an alarm function. Incidentally, these garden figures are usually operated with batteries.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What does the classic garden gnome look like?
The classic garden gnome is made of fired clay, has a white beard and wears a red pointed hat. Modern garden gnomes still have these basic characteristics. They come in different poses and sizes. In addition, the decorative gnomes vary in terms of "clothing color" and facial expressions. The choice is huge.
How did the garden gnome make it into the green oasis at home?
Experts believe that the first garden gnome saw the light of day in the 1870s in Gräfenroda, according to many sources. The Thuringian garden gnomes are said to have been offered for the first time at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1898. It can therefore be assumed that the garden gnome made its way into German gardens around this time.
Where should I place a garden gnome?
If possible, choose a sheltered location that is not exposed to direct sunlight. This will prevent the colors from fading. Make sure that the garden gnome does not bother your neighbors. Classic garden gnomes are more accepted in the field of vision than modern, provocative "anti-gnomes". It is best to integrate your new garden gnome into a scene in the garden so that the figure looks more natural and fits perfectly into the overall picture.
Which brands offer beautiful garden gnomes?
Among the best-known and most popular manufacturers of garden gnomes made of terracotta and plastic are Philipp Griebel, Heissner and Andreas Klein.
Where is the best place to buy a garden gnome?
Garden gnomes are usually available in well-stocked hardware stores, garden centers and shops specializing in all kinds of decorations. A large selection of classic garden gnomes and special forms of garden figures can be found online at Amazon. There you also benefit from the uncomplicated ordering process and the simple return if you are dissatisfied.
How much does a garden gnome cost?
Small garden gnomes are available from around five euros. The prices go up to around 150 euros. The exact costs depend mainly on the material, the size and the processing. Elaborately hand-painted garden gnomes are of course more expensive. You usually pay around 50 euros for a medium-sized and lovingly designed garden gnome.
Can I paint a garden gnome myself?
Yes, there are also garden gnomes and other garden figures that are not yet painted on the market, so you can color them according to your taste. Use acrylic paint for this.