| |
| |
|
Landscaping & Gardening Information |
|
|
|
Home for a Gnome?
Kitsch is defined by several dictionaries as relating to poor quality or gaudy art objects that appeal to "low-brow" taste. But in the garden, kitsch categorizes folksy or commercial art that's viewed condescendingly by some, and with irony by others. It's this irony (this stuff is so bad it's good) that has made items such as pink flamingos and garden gnomes more widely popular in recent years. Garden gnomes have long been popular in Europe, especially in the middle European countries of Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. In fact, the city of Usti nad Labem in the Czech Republic has declared 2004 to be the Year of the Gnome. Worldwide popularity of these dwarvish creatures was given a boost after the release of the French film Amelie in 2001. The title character in that movie, frustrated by her father's refusal to travel in his retirement, abducts his garden gnome and sends it around the world with a flight attendant friend. But from where did these garden creatures spring? The word "gnome" comes from the same root word as the verb "to know." It is thought that gnomes were named by Paracelsus, a 16th century physician and alchemist. Paracelsus authored a theory of the elements that included the belief that gnomes had occult knowledge of the earth. From that theory sprang folklore tales that established a mythical society for gnomes. People said that gnomes expressed greetings, farewells and goodnights by rubbing noses. They developed stories that the creatures lived to 400 years, with the male gnomes greying very early in life and indulging in pipe-smoking. Gnomes were divided by folklore into different types, with the house gnome and the garden gnome being the most represented. People believed that gnomes were a good luck charm, a symbol that the forces of nature were on their side. In parts of Europe, statues of garden gnomes have been, and still are, considered status symbols of success. So much have gnomes captured the popular imagination, that in July 2003 Australia saw "Take your garden gnome to work" day, and recently the BBC urged listeners to hunt out "gnome-infested" gardens in central England. Although tongue-in-cheek, the BBC's disclaimer to take no risks because they "believe (gnomes) are still a potential source of harm" carries on the folklore legends. In addition, several gnome "liberation" groups profess to free the statues from enslavement in gardens across America and Europe. According to legend, house and garden gnomes help with chores around the home, like sweeping the floor or planting. This is the reason many statues of gnomes hold hammers, axes or shovels, or are pushing wheelbarrows. Many contemporary statues depict gnomes sunbathing, swinging and otherwise relaxing. Several modern artists have specialized in creating statues and painting of gnomes, and many people are avid collectors. Others have opted out of the gnome movement, based on the gnomes' legendary association to spirits and the occult. Will there be a gnome in your garden? About The Author Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at http://www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Landscaping-Gardening - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Growing Vegetables in Containers - The Compact Solution Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that don't have access to backyards. There can be a range of reasons to grow your vegetables in containers. Introduction to Aquaponics Hydroponics and aquaponics are very similar in every way except hydroponics requires the addition of fertilizer and there's no fish in the nutrient solution.In aquaponics, plants and fish live a symbiotic life with the fish feeding the plants, and the plants cleaning and filtering the fish's environment. Who Sells Flower Bulbs? Flower bulbs offer some of the most distinctive, unusual flowers around. Gladioli, lilies, crocus, lilac, daylilies? all are instantly recognizable. Garden for Birds #3 Well, another week is passing us by.I want to thank everyone who writes me back. Lawn Care Business Owners - Dont Buy Yourself A Job Most businesses consist of the owner only or the owner and a few employees. The owner continues to do the same activity whether it is labor or crew management for many years. Perfume Your Garden and Home with Gardenias One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery Gardenia (gardenia jasminoides) that grows to about 5' tall and wide. The perfume-like scent adds an exotic feeling to gardens. Developing the Perfect Landscaping Idea Using landscaping ideas can be an effective way to attract wildlife, such as birds, to your yard and neighborhood. Thoughtfully placing bird feeders or houses around your yard can make it an inviting environment for different types of bird species. Build A Simple Planter Box Love flowers, but don't have the space -- or the desire -- to plant a garden? You may want to try making your own flower box, which can be just about any size you wish.This planter box is built with a top and a bottom exterior frame; then you affix cedar panels to the frame and add bottom panels. Want a Garden, But Don't have Enough Dirt Or Space? Hydroponics Gardening Is The Answer! Hydroponics gardening is the perfect solution for anybody who wants a garden, but does not have enough space or dirt. Hydroponics gardening is, simply put, a method of growing plants using a nutrient solution instead of dirt. Gardening Tips and Tricks for Late Autumn Preparing for the Winter Months: Gardening in OctoberWhen you feel that first solid bite in the breeze and you see the songbirds winging their way south, and the trees are bursting with fire-laden hues, you know you can't be spending the weekend curled up by the fireplace with a good book. Not for long. Adirondack Chairs - The Proper Way to Care for Them The Adirondack chair is unlike any other chair every made. First designed by Thomas Lee in the early 1900s, this chair is amazingly comfortable, very affordable, and a chair that could easily be used for indoor furniture or outdoors by the pool or perhaps on the deck or patio. Basics of Pruning Roses Pruning your roses does not need to be a dreaded task. Follow these tips and make rose pruning an easy gardening job. A Quick Overview of Outdoor Hot Tubs There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening soak in the hot tub after a long, hard day's work. Sore muscles can finally relax as the water jets massage aches and pains away. To Salt or Not to Salt Your Pond The important question of whether or not to add salt to your pond is often confusing for beginners and forgotten by experienced pond-keepers. To newbies and pro's alike we have this to say:"Add Salt Today to Keep the Fish Doctor Away"True, there are some negative effects of higher salt levels on plants in the pond, but overall we think it is absolutely the very best thing you can add to your pond in terms of keeping your fish happy and healthy. Choosing the Right Roses for Your Garden The selection of roses you can grow in your home garden is enormous. With so many to choose from, finding just the right ones may seem more like work than play. Flower Meanings Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and you don't want to send the wrong message if you give them as a gift! Of course, not everyone knows what a particular flower means, but you can never be too sure!FLOWER NAME and/or COLOR -- FLOWER MEANINGSCarnationsCarnation (General) -- FascinationCarnation, Pink -- Emblem of Mother's Day, I will never forget youCarnation, Purple -- Antipathy and CapriciousnessCarnation, Red -- Admiration, my heart aches for youCarnation, Striped -- No, Sorry, I cannot be with youCarnation, White -- Pure Love, Sweet Love, InnocenceCarnation, Yellow -- Disdain and RejectionLiliesLily, Calla -- Majestic BeautyLily, Day -- CoquetryLily, Orange -- Hatred and Disdain, Wealth, PrideLily, White -- Majesty and Purity, VirginityLily of the Valley -- Purity and Humility, SweetnessRosesRose, Coral/Orange -- Enthusiasm, DesireRose, Dark Pink -- Thank youRose, Light Pink -- AdmirationRose, Musk -- Capricious BeautyRose, Pale -- FriendshipRose, Peach -- Let's get together, Closing of the dealRose, Pink -- Love, Grace, Gentility, You're so LovelyRose, Pink & White -- Love, Desire, Respect, Courage, Job well doneRose, Red -- Majesty and Purity, VirginityRose, Red & Yellow -- CongratulationsRose, White -- Charm, Secrecy, Silence, You're HeavenlyRose, White on Red -- Unity/Flower Emblem of EnglandRose, Yellow -- Infidelity, Joy, Friendship, Welcome Back, Remember meRose, Yellow & Orange -- Passionate thoughtsTulipsTulip -- Symbol of The Perfect LoverTulip, Red -- Believe me, Declaration of loveTulip, Variegated -- Beautiful eyesOthersDaffodil -- Emblem of Annunciation/Regard, Unrequited loveDaisy -- Gentleness, Innocence, Loyal loveIris -- Faith, Wisdom, Valor, Your Friendship means so much Orchid -- Magnificence, Love, Beauty, RefinementSunflower -- Homage and DevotionA Heath is a gift researcher for http://www.the-gift-wizard. Closing Up Your Container Garden All good things eventually come to an end and so summer is waning, even as autumn gives most of us a fresh start. I'll bet your summer container plantings aren't really benefiting, though, from the "back to school-oh I love a clean notebook" boost and aren't dying as gracefully as summer itself is. Teak Adirondack Chairs Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among consumers due to the beauty and durability of the individual pieces. For this reason, a wide variety of outdoor furniture is made using teak ranging from teak Adirondack chairs to classic, formal furnishings. Teak Furniture: The Premier Outdoor Furniture When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase pieces made with teak, a hard strong durable golden-brown wood, which is both resistant to the elements and requires little maintenance.Teak grows in the region of Southeast Asia, mainly in Java, Indonesia, and is harvested from the surrounding forests and teak plantations by the locals and the Indonesian government. Colorado Blue Spruce And Lush Red Roses Set in a broad expanse of lush green lawn a length of split rail fence forms a corner. Carpeted with a thick layer of soil preserving and plant protecting cedar mulch, three tall Colorado blue spruce offset the right angles of the fence.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |