While the elves are hard at work this holiday season, the gnomes are relaxing in style over on Silver Fox Court in Cockeysville. What began as a solution to a landscaping problem has morphed into a whimsical Gnome Garden that brings joy to an entire community. Back in the summer of 2012, Angus Finney was debating how to handle the pesky roots of a maple tree and decided to lay down some gravel and plant a cactus or two. That's when Allyson Finney got involved. An interior designer, Allyson found the perfect addition to the front garden in the form of a charming little bird house that nestled perfectly into the base of the tree. Then, along came the gnomes.
Allyson and Angus began to add little touches to their Gnome Garden, picking up more houses and accessories during their travels — a tree face from the West, miniature houses from the Eastern Shore and gnomes from all over. Scenes and accessories change as the gnomes celebrate all the major holidays and enjoy crab feasts, camping trips and more.
But it has been the "secret" contributions that have really made the Gnome Garden flourish. Here and there, new items will suddenly appear in the garden secretly placed there by neighbors and Gnome Garden enthusiasts. Favorites include a pink flamingo, the Statue of Liberty, a mailbox and best yet, a full-on gnome wedding scene to celebrate the backyard wedding of Angus and Allyson in August.
Angus, an artist at heart and contractor by trade, has delighted in making tiny hand-crafted additions. Angus also takes requests. He added a hot tub, as directed by a little girl across the street, who thought the gnomes needed to warm up after a large snowfall last winter. He also has added fairy lights and solar powered spotlights so that the garden can be seen at night.
But the most endearing part is the way that the community has come together to enjoy this fanciful endeavor. "What makes it special is getting to meet so many of my neighbors," Allyson said.
She also enjoys the fact that the Gnome Garden has become a community effort. Neighbors have become caretakers of the garden — picking up leaves, clearing snow and leaving gifts.Many neighbors said they are now on the lookout for miniature items when they shop and are all excited to contribute, Angus said. As for Allyson and Angus, they love being known as the "Gnome Garden people" and as the sign says it really is Home, Sweet, Gnome on Silver Fox Court.