Tradition has it that gnomes bring good luck to gardens. The gnomes as we know them today were first produced in Germany in the mid-1800s, so where better to start than Zwergli, which specializes in German gnomes? Brush up on your gnome history and how a gnome is born (hint: it’s all the tip of the hat). Then visit Gnome Outlet – who knew gnomes had so many careers and tasks? Some are guides, others are workerbees, still more have everyday lives. Witness Arnold and Sarah getting married (pictured) or, more alarmingly, Bradley in the Tub ($21 each). Leaf through the classic source of gnome lore, Wil Huygen and Rien Poortvliet’s Gnomes ($17), allegedly dictated by David the Gnome, who inspired the animated series of the same name. Poortvliet gnomes can be found at Clean Air Gardening, or you can adopt a homeless gnome from Garden Gnomes Need Homes. For an original design, sculptor Candice Kimmel bills herself at the “last surviving gnome maker.” Make your gnome feel at home with this quaint cottage ($69) or a gnome door ($39) – who can tell what lurks on the other side? Gnome Town USA is the destination for collectors and chronicler of gnome sightings. OK, that’s enough of the traditional tales. Show your true colors with an NCAA gnome ($21), although this KU alum wants to know why she can’t seem to unearth a National Champ Jayhawk gnome. Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome stars in the Gnome Away from Home kit, complete with a figurine, passport and travel tips ($7). PrankPlace.com yuks it up with all sorts of gnome-sense, like the Answer Me Gnome ($20). Lest you think the little fellas are all airy and light, Garden Gnome from HELL spills the dirt on their dark side, including the useful tidbit that cumquats are the only defense in the never-ending struggle against gnomes. Check out the “Cumquats Save Lives” or “As Seen in Hell” T-shirts ($16 and $21). But the gigantic gnome groan of the day goes to this clever shirt line: “Sweet Gnome Alabama.”