They are especially prevalent in English suburban homes, although they are forbidden from being displayed at the Chelsea Flower Show, the most prestigious flower show in the country. This is viewed as blatant snobbery by the garden gnome lobby!
The object of this controversy is ignorant of the furor he causes. He is too busy, sitting and fishing in the pond or weeding with his trowel. He is seen in a number of innocent pastimes but some modern designs have put him in indiscreet poses. These are not for family viewing and mooning gnomes are an affront to the more conventional collector.

A lot of fun is had with the little fellows and many a practical joke has been played on owners. The garden gnome is under constant threat of being kidnapped! Sometimes, the kidnapper sends a photograph to the distraught owner and demands a ransom. Some are sent on cruises or returned to the wild. There is even an Italian organization called Garden Gnome Liberation Front. A website has been set up that has a database for gnomes that have been taken. Owners can place information about their lost loved ones and plea for their return.