Garden gnomes - tips for decorating a summer cottage + instructions on how to choose and place

Brief origin story

Garden gnomes have their own interesting history. They are a German symbol because they first appeared in Thuringia. The creator of garden figurines of gnomes is Philip Griebel. Large production of garden figurines continued until World War II, when this volume of production ceased.

Garden gnomes are now found in many countries, but their use remains an ongoing debate among professional gardeners.

Types of garden gnomes

There is a traditional way of making garden gnomes. The process begins with pouring liquid clay into special molds, followed by firing. The burnt figurine is painted.

Currently, garden gnomes are cast from other materials, the characteristics of which will now be discussed in detail.

Garden gnome made of plaster

The most popular material for making gnomes is gypsum. But such material has its own nuances.

• This material boasts its very affordable price and easy, fast work process.
• But in addition to these advantages, it has significant disadvantages. Plaster gnomes do not have durability.
• They are very fragile and cannot withstand mechanical damage.
• Because of these factors, they last for a maximum of a season.

Wooden garden gnome

Wood is an excellent material for creating gnomes. It is reliable, durable and pliable. Even a novice craftsman can make such a decorative element on his own. For the process it is better to use strong species, such as oak, maple and larch.

And for decoration you can also use natural materials - moss, branches, foliage, driftwood, etc. For a longer service life, the wood, after drying, is coated with an antiseptic and then varnished. This will prevent mold from forming.

Garden gnome made of stone

But to create gnomes from stone you will need a sufficient level of skill and experience. But the product looks as beautiful as possible. Another advantage is that the stone will last for decades. He is not afraid of temperature changes and does not need to be brought home.

However, stone gnomes create a tandem with other stone elements. Therefore, you should not purchase them if the same material is not available on the site.

Metal garden gnome

Gnomes can even be made of metal. The product will look chic, but we must not forget that this option is not suitable for every stylistic direction.

• Experts recommend combining it with other metal fragments - a lantern, barbecue, etc.
• It is worth remembering that metal requires special care for a long service life. It constantly needs to be tinted and monitored for rust.

Polystone garden gnome

Polystone is a new material, otherwise called “artificial stone”. It consists of acrylic resins, crushed natural stone and other additives.

• This is a very practical material that has a lot of advantages.
• It will not crack due to temperature changes or moisture.
• The material is durable and resistant, and also has a nice plus – it’s lightweight.

These were the five main materials used to make garden gnomes. In addition to them, concrete, plastic, even plaster and polyurethane foam are also used.

DIY gnome

Beautiful and high-quality figurines in the store usually cost quite a lot of money, but this is not a reason to purchase a cheaper and low-quality option, because you can make a garden gnome with your own hands.

You can take inspiration from the Internet, where you can find amazing photos of handmade garden gnomes. Making a figurine for the garden yourself is a great opportunity to get creative and create a unique decoration for your garden.

Let's consider options for creating decorative gnomes:

1. Made from plaster. Here it is important to find or make your own suitable mold into which the plaster will be poured. For figures larger than 50 cm, you need to make a frame. After hardening, the figure is painted and varnished.
2. Made from polyurethane foam. Initially, it is necessary to make a base for the figure from wire, bottles or buckets; the frame must be heavy to ensure stability. After removing excess foam, the figure is painted and varnished.
3. From improvised means. Old buckets, barrels, flower pots, and plastic bottles can be used to create a gnome. A little imagination - and you can make a fairy-tale character out of quite ordinary things.
4. From fabric. According to the pattern you like, they sew the body, then stuff it with padding polyester, sew clothes and draw a cute face with acrylic paints or felt-tip pens.

Placement of gnomes on the site

After choosing the gnomes, a new task arises - placing decorative gnomes on the site. You can place them in the garden in different ways.

Here are some options:

1. Near the flower beds;
2. Near decorative fountains, streams and ponds;
3. On the sides of paths or paths;
4. On the veranda;
5. Near the gazebo;
6. At the entrance to the greenhouse.

In general, it is better to combine figurines with other art objects. Compositions in the same color scheme also look especially beautiful and harmonious.

Required materials and tools

To work, you need a spacious room or place on the site, which should be covered with plastic film. This will prevent cement from getting onto your lawn, floors, and other areas. The film can be fixed with bricks or other heavy objects.

After preparing the site, you should take care of tools and materials. You will need:

• a metal container with a volume of at least 10 liters for diluting the solution. A basin, barrel or other similar devices are suitable for this purpose;
• a construction mixer or a drill with a screw attachment - they are used to make the mixture homogeneous;
• much water. It is best if there is a water tap nearby, since the instrument will need to be washed periodically;
• rubber gloves, an apron, napkins and rags that will help keep things clean and do the job comfortably;
• molds for figures (plastic, plaster, silicone, polystyrene, metal, wood and others) or frames. Ready-made options are available in construction stores and craft stores;

Molds for garden figures made of cement can be purchased at hardware stores and craft stores.

Recommendations

1. Garden gnomes should fit into the overall design and style.
2. The figures should be strengthened, because they may fall due to gusts of wind.
3. Gnomes should not be covered by plants, snowdrifts, etc.
4. In a large garden it is better to use large gnomes.

The wrong choice will ruin the entire appearance of the garden, so the placement of decorative gnomes in landscape design needs to be carefully thought out so that everything looks harmonious.

Links[edit]

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Photo of garden gnomes