If 2025 was the year of the porch goose, then 2026 is the year of the garden gnome. That’s right! Love them or hate them, these funky friends are set to make a major comeback in 2026 thanks to the renewed interest in whimsical design. Below, I’m breaking down why garden gnomes are trending, including their unlikely royal champion, and ways to incorporate them into your garden—without making it feel, well, tacky.
Are Garden Gnomes Trending?
Yes! And we can thank a return to whimsy in design—one of the biggest interior trends of 2026—for finally making its way to the garden. Don’t believe me? Just ask the experts behind one of the most anticipated gardening shows in the world: the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
For only the second time in its 113-year history, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will allow garden gnomes in its displays this year. Gnomes will appear throughout the show, but will be prominently displayed throughout The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s initiative to bring gardening to schoolchildren throughout Britain. Gnomes designed by celebrities such as Cate Blanchett and Dame Mary Berry will be available to view. Sir David Beckham also has a hand in designing the Curious Garden.
King Charles himself is a noted fan of garden gnomes. His country home in Gloucestershire, Highgrove House and Gardens, has its own mischievous gnome who is known to move about the garden without warning. While the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where the King is expected to make an appearance later this month, is only lifting the ban for 2026, it points to the larger embrace of whimsy: “We want people to be playful with their gardening,” says Clare Matterson, the director general of the Royal Horticultural Society.
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How to Decorate with Garden Gnomes
Now that garden gnomes are officially trending, and in the spirit of embracing a more whimsical mindset, it’s time to consider how best to decorate with garden gnomes without verging on kitsch. I turned to Alabama-based garden designer Molly Hendry to get her expert tips on integrating these visitors into the garden.
1. Pick the Right Material
Today, most garden gnomes come in two different styles: natural stone, concrete, or wood; or painted porcelain or resin. Molly advises letting the surroundings dictate your pick. If your garden leans modern and bright, go for a painted porcelain statue and don’t be afraid to choose one with interesting colors, says Molly. “Let it have some personality!”
Alternatively, if your garden feels more English-inspired with rambling flower beds and a wilder, woodland feel, Molly suggests going with an aged concrete or wooden gnome. Let moss accumulate on your statue and welcome natural aging to enhance its fairy-tale feel.
2. Plant Accordingly
While the new denizen of your garden may be happy all to itself, you may want to plant flowers or greenery nearby to keep it company. In spring, Molly suggests grape hyacinth, forget-me-nots, dwarf-crested iris, and columbine. In summer, when gnomes “seem suited for those shady parts of your garden,” Molly prefers pairing these statues with other shade-loving plants such as ferns and hostas. When the weather gets cooler and fall rolls around, Molly suggests trying some surprise spider lilies “that add to the gnome’s playful magic.”
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3. Place Strategically
Garden gnomes can very quickly push your outdoor space into less-than-chic territory, so it’s best to use them strategically. “I think the magic of gnomes is that they are tucked away in secret spots, offering a playful element of discovery,” says Molly. “Don’t give them up too quickly in the garden; part of the magic is finding them!”
If you want a totally clean look, follow Molly’s advice and tuck them amongst the plants. If you want something a little more playful that still feels high-end, Molly suggests pairing them with mushroom statuary—preferably fabricated from stone or carved wood to keep the gnomes feeling a bit more elevated. “It just feels like a gnome would be at home among some mushrooms,” she says.
