Gnome Garden Ideas

Tiny men scurrying around the garden aren't always welcome. Unless they're garden gnomes, that is, which can provide a whimsical design element in the garden.

July 20, 2021

By: Felicia Feaster

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A Garden Gnome Is Often the Perfect Whimsical Touch for a Garden

Those with a penchant for garden gnomes may find themselves unable to stop acquiring them. Read on to find ways to make these charming folklore figures and gnome garden design work in your garden space.

Learn More: Celebrating Garden Gnomes and their History

Giant White Gnome Ornaments London's Chelsea Flower Show

This mega-gnome stood guard at the entrance to the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show. For many years, the gnome was banished from the big league of garden design, the Chelsea Flower Show. Considered too lowbrow and tacky for such a high-end affair, the gnome made a triumphant return to the show in 2013.

French Designer Philippe Starck's Charming Gnome Table

Renowned French designer Philippe Starck created a high-end line of gnomes to use as side tables or foot rests indoors or out in 2000, and they are still available for purchase if you want to bring a bit of garden wit inside.

A Hard-Working Gnome Figure With a Bucket and Shovel

Nothing says productivity quite like a gnome with a bucket and a shovel. Elves of the garden, gnomes can take on a variety of personalities. Just decide which gnome garden personality best suits you.

Use Multiples in Gnome Garden Design

An army of garden gnomes cheerfully mows the lawn at the Gnome Reserve and Wildflower Trail in southern England. Don't limit yourself to a single gnome in your gnome garden design. Use multiples to up the charm factor.

A Tiny Vintage Gnome Looks Great in a Fairy Garden

Small gnomes can make great additions to terrariums, fairy gardens and other indoor gardening projects.

Learn More: DIY Gnome Garden Getaway

Gnome Garden Design Works Even in Winter

HGTV community member Gardener and Artist shared this great image of a garden gnome bravely weathering the elements and poking out from the snowfall, proving that clever placement of a garden gnome in the landscape can yield fun visual surprises all year long.

The Impact of Multiple Gnomes in a Woodland Garden

A whole gaggle of gnomes makes a unique addition to a woodland garden.

A Monochrome Gnome Adds Style to a Modern Garden Design

Looking for a more minimalist gnome for your garden? Several retailers -- including Hudson Grace, which offers white and red gnomes, or Wayfair, which has a dark gray concrete gnome -- allow you to create a more modern gnome garden design.

The Evolution of Garden Gnome Style Over Time

No longer a passive garden ornament, contemporary gnome garden design has incorporated gnome hobbies like bird watching and meditating to reflect the times these gnomes live in.

Let Weather and Time Do Their Work Transforming Your Gnome

Gnomes take on a whole new character when exposed to the elements and can develop a nice (if slightly spooky) patina over time.

Embrace the Quirky Potential of Imperfect Gnomes

The garden can be a treacherous place. This fella lost an arm somewhere along the way, but seems to be just fine. Even second-hand or damaged gnomes can have their own peculiar charm.

Garden Gnome With Toadstool

Features of the woodland garden often crop up in gnome garden design, like fairy-tale red and white spotted mushrooms. A smattering of concrete mushrooms or garden accessories like wheelbarrows can make wonderful accompaniments to your gnome-scape.

Learn More: How to Make Toadstool Table and Chairs

Gnomes Crash the Show

Banned for decades from London's highbrow Chelsea Flower Show, the garden gnome was welcomed at the 2013 festival and some of the exhibitors — like luxury greenhouse and conservatory manufacturer Alitex — had fun with the idea, as with these two gnome brothers. Love gnomes? Dress up as one for your next Halloween or costume party with HGTV's gnome costume tutorial.

Learn More: DIY Garden Gnome Halloween Costume