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How To Pick The Right Garden Gnome

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So many options, where to begin?

Garden decor options are wide and varied. For this reason, I'm going to focus on just one aspect of the garden decoration world. Garden Gnomes have a special place in my heart. I love them for so many reasons and enjoy sharing them with the world. The question that I get asked a lot however is, "There are so many kinds, how do I pick one?". Well, on the suface this seems like such a silly question. You have to realize that most people don't recognize how many kinds of Garden Gnomes there actually are. Because of my exposure to so many varieties, I know my options. So, for the novice garden decorator, I'll walk you through figuring out the gnome you should be buying.

You need to ask yourself a few questions...

Before you can begin to narrow down your garden gnome options, it's important to really understand the goal of your new gnome and what your personal style is. Before you go out and purchase your gnome, you really should be asking yourself a series of questions. These questions will hopefully guide along your gnome adoption process.

Am I Old School or New School?

What I mean by this is, do you prefer "old world" style garden gnomes or more recent adaptations of garden gnomes. The "old world" style gnomes mimic the original style created in Germany back in the 19th century. This style has a younger looking, slimmer gnome with cheeks that aren't as round. Newer style gnomes, typically have a full beard and mustache, and look more like Santa Clause.

How Much Am I Willing To Invest?

You can find plastic garden gnomes that cost $10 or you can find higher quality pottery gnomes which can take you to over $100. You will probably find, as with most things, you get what you pay for. During your research you'll find that the nicer stoneware pottery gnomes designed by Kimmel Gnomes (right) for instance, are glazed on the inside and outside and can be left outside all year round. You may find others losing color and/or breaking much easier.

Am I Trying To Make A Statement?

Are you trying to just add decoration to your home, or do you have additional motives? For example, you can get a collegiate garden gnome, an NFL Gnome, or an MLB Gnome to support you favorite team. I am an alumni of the University Of Florida and this was my first gnome purchase. I've also found that these make spectacular gifts to other college sports fans. For a more patriotic stance, you can also get a garden gnome holding an American Flag. If this is not your goal, there are many options of gnomes which are more traditional and are just standing around or some that are actually working quite hard.

Which Style Fits My Personality?

Are you the kind of person who wants someone to see your gnome and burst into laughter? Would you rather them comment on how cute your gnome is? If you fall into the first category, there are plenty of gnomes to fit your personality. From gnomes mooning or even flashing, these gnomes will be sure either put a smile on someone's face or they will be appalled by how vulgar it is. Yes, a naked male garden gnome with his "business" exposed could be construed as vulgar.

Do I Intend To Buy More Than One?

Perhaps you are hoping to have a whole village of gnomes. If your looking to have more than one, you may prefer to have a few that are working and a few that are just relaxing. From hauling a wheel barrow, chopping wood, or just relaxing in a bath tub, you can find garden gnomes in all kinds of activities. If you want just one gnome, perhaps you only want a gnome who's taking nap or just hanging around waiting for something exciting to do.

Where Do I Intend To Put My New Gnome?

Gnomes go great anywhere. I say this because I happen to have a couple of garden gnomes in-doors. I actually prefer to call these "home gnomes". The point is that he's a small gnome and looks perfect hanging out on my book shelf. I also put my University of Florida Garden Gnome in my office. You may however be looking to have a strictly outdoor gnome which is great as well. You can have a gnome with a welcome sign letting visitors know that they are always welcome at your home. You may also decide that for an outdoor gnome, you'd like a slightly larger one. You can find gnomes range in all sizes from 3" to over 15" tall.

Did You Know There Was Such A Variety?

Now you should have a good idea of the variety of Garden Gnomes available to you. Once you ask yourself these questions, you can start to narrow down which gnome is right for you. If you are looking for a place to start, I believe that you will be pleased with the variety of garden/yard gnomes available at www.gnomefrenzy.com. This site has more of a variety of gnomes than most sites and is sure to meet your gnome needs. Happy Gnome Hunting.

Andrew Nadler
Gnome Lover And Gnome Advocate

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Garden Gnome Shopping Links

Try these sites to find almost every variety of gnome!
GnomeFrenzy.com
From Collegiate Gnomes, Patriotic Gnomes, to Traditional Gnomes
Funny Gnomes
Find Funny Gnomes here
"Old World" Style Gnomes
These gnomes are more from the "Old World" style.

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    vancehira Dec 1, 2011 @ 4:46 am | delete
    These statues are made of different materials and come in a number a number of colors adding life and a little amusement to your garden. Earlier these gnomes were made of materials like terra cotta and clay but recently have started being made of plastic. People believe that these statues take care of their garden and the earth. This is why they have gained so much popularity. These are also far cheaper than other garden statues and decorations. The fact that they are made of plastic makes them very durable. Earlier clay and terra cotta gnomes took much longer to manufacture as the paint and clay required a long time to mold. Plastic statues are far cheaper and much more durable than clay counterparts. They are mass produced in factories and most manufacturers are now shifting to plastic instead of clay and terra cotta.
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