This year marks a notable shift in attitudes toward garden gnomes at the Chelsea Flower Show, reflecting a broader reconsideration of these traditionally maligned garden ornaments. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has embraced what some are calling the "Year of the Gnome," featuring a collection of gnomes painted by celebrities to support the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.

Garden gnomes, once subject to longstanding bans by the RHS, are now being celebrated for their place in horticultural culture. The first gnome arrived in Britain in the 1840s, well before the Chelsea Flower Show’s inception in 1913. However, for much of the 20th century, the RHS prohibited gnomes and similar colored garden ornaments from appearing at the show. In 1927, the RHS banned “statuary of other sundries” from exhibition tents, extending the restrictions to include all colored garden figures such as animals, birds, and gnomes by 1931. The policy was further tightened in 1981, explicitly forbidding highly colored figures, including mythological creatures.

This stance began to change notably in 2013 during Chelsea’s centenary, when the RHS invited celebrities, including Elton John and Dame Helen Mirren, to paint 100 gnomes for auction. While some designs attracted criticism for being overly kitsch, the auction nonetheless raised £27,000 for charity. The current wave of interest has been partly inspired by King Charles III, known for moving garden gnomes around at Highgrove, and Queen Camilla, a longtime enthusiast. This year’s celebrity-painted gnomes include contributions from figures such as Dame Mary Berry, Cate Blanchett, Joanna Lumley, and Alan Titchmarsh. Absent from the list is Monty Don, the nation’s best-known gardener, who remains skeptical of gnomes.

Among the most venerable of gnomes is Lampy of Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire, who at 179 years old is considered the United Kingdom’s oldest garden gnome. Lampy arrived in 1847, brought by the Victorian collector Sir Charles Isham from Nuremberg—the original center of gnome production. Initially kept indoors as table placeholders, the figures were eventually moved outdoors to a rockery specially designed by Isham. Rumors claim that Isham believed the gnomes moved around at night. Lampy survived attempts by Isham’s daughters to destroy the gnomes and now remains on display under a protective glass bell jar.

Views on garden gnomes remain divided. RHS Director General Clare Matterson owns a garden gnome, inherited from her family, reflecting more positive vibes within the horticultural community. Conversely, Robert Brett, curator at RHS Garden Wisley, expressed open disdain, sharing an anecdote about a gnome planted in his garden without his consent.

Gnomes continue to occupy a complex position in British gardening culture, bridging the gap between kitsch and tradition. Their recent rise in prominence at Chelsea indicates a potential shift toward greater acceptance across both public and professional gardening spheres.