A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall a Willy question

I've been looking at different Willies for a while now (gnomes that is :P) I was at the 'dollar store' across the street and they have some Willies for $2 apiece, each being about half a foot tall. I've never seen them in a dollar store before and such cheaply so they caught my eye. I noticed that they were not as heavy as the other ones I've seen and they they are painted much more colourfully and vibrant (like the gnomes in Snow White!). The 'other ones' I'm referring to appear to be clay/plaster (like the one Bill sent me). How does the 'composition' of Willies affect their job and longevity in the garden? There were also some really cute angels in a variety of poses. Now that they're increased their prices to $2 on some things, the dollar has a bigger range of garden decor and some of them are actually quite cute and intriguing!

I have found that the lighter weight ones will break more easily and fade faster. I still buy them. I just don't expect years of service from them. I don't bring them in out of the weather. My willies work all year long. They are fun and at $2 you can afford to let them weather in your garden here.

while Tina has a point, why not bring them in and they will be nice oh so much stronger---and yo might try going to Wal_amrt & buyiong osme matte sealer (in the crafts section) and spraying them before setting them out..

before spraying them, I would try "test" spraying the bottoms only (let it dry good before setting back up) to make sure it would not yellow or cloud the new gnome or fairy or whatever.

Kenny All gnomes will be faithful workers for you, regardless of the material they wear, In fact some of them actually like to be sprayed with "Clear coat" to keep them protected , Kinda like a sun block, and rain repellent since they are outside so much. :wink:

I wish Hubby would let me hire some Willies. I have the perfect place for them to work...



It's a forrest of Ivy climbing 2 dogwood trees. I have a birdbath and bird feeder in the middle of the ivy. I could use their help keeping the the briars from coming up.

Annette