• Garden gnomes prefer old gardens to new.working gnome image by Colin Buckland from Fotolia.com
  
  European folklore describes gnomes as small, sometimes magical, humanlike creatures that live hidden in nature and guard precious treasure, according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. Legend suggests these peaceful and industrious mythological beings migrated to other parts of the world from their origins in northern Europe. The stories maintain that as the years progress the reclusive creatures who populated the earth long before humans are becoming more inclined to reveal themselves.
  
  

Woodland Gnome

• The most elusive of all the gnomes, the woodland gnome generally avoids contact with humans. He does not stand out in physical appearance from other types of gnomes. The woodland gnome stands at about 6 inches tall, with a pointed red hat, traditional pants and shirt and a belt of tools. He is quick, wise and knows how to travel around the forest without being seen.
  
  

Garden Gnome

• This well-known gnome prefers older gardens and enjoys telling sad stories. If the garden starts feeling claustrophobic, he escapes into the woods for a short time. Many people keep garden gnome statues in their landscape to bring good luck.
  
  

Siberian Gnome

• This type of gnome stands a little taller than the standard 6 inches. The Siberian gnome is a little rougher and meaner than the average gnome. He makes friends with trolls and lives in the cold harsh climate of the snowy north. While most gnomes are vegetarian, the Siberian gnome enjoys eating meat.
  
  

Dune Gnome

• Dune gnomes live on beaches. Their clothing matches their surrounding environment; they usually dress in light khaki colors to match the sand. Dune gnomes like to dance, sing and play an instrument called a fuurttcueb--a hollow piece of wood that can be tapped on or filled with sand and shaken.
  
  

Female Gnomes

• In gnome culture, the female gnome is considered equal partners with the male. She typically wears a blouse and long skirt. Her pointed hat is usually green. Gnomes choose to marry based strictly on love. The couples are devoted to each other for life.