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Garden Gnomes
Garden gnomes are those colorful dwarfs,
usually bearded and wearing pointed hats,
who live in people's gardens. Claiming to
be descended from the stories of German and
Scandinavian legends, these little people
lived underground in the mythical past but
later emerged to inhabit the forests and
eventually moved into our gardens. The original
figures were manufactured in Germany starting
in 1872 by August Heissner. They were glazed
earthenware figures that proved to be so
popular that they were soon exported in large
numbers to England and the United States.
The gnomes were selected by Walt Disney as
models for the dwarfs in his animated movie,
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
These older ceramic figures are
very valuable
today if they are in good condition.
If you
would like to invest in these
collectables,
look for ones that are not cracked
or chipped.
Avoid any that have been obviously
repaired,
as this drastically reduces their
resale
price. Dealers can be located
online.
New gnomes are readily available at garden
centers, through catalogs, and online. The
modern production process involves molding,
baking, and spray painting weather resistant
PVC. Try to avoid the poor reproductions
made in third world countries, as these will
not have the detailed quality that lend these
figures their charm.
There are several hundred models to choose
from --- gnomes engaged in a large variety
of old fashioned outdoor activities, celebrating
holidays, or just quietly living in the garden.
A vast array of gnome accessories can also
be purchased, such as wells, houses, carts,
windmills and toadstools to name just a few.
You can also give the gnomes the company
of pets, birds, and other garden creatures.
Gnomes are also made from wood,
stone or
concrete, but these are usually
not painted.
Remember to be mindful of your
local weather
extremes if you plan to leave
your gnomes
in your garden all year. |
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