Gnome Mad in Alexandra

In a quiet corner of the Manawatū Community Trust’s Alexandra Units in Feilding, Laurie and Brenda have created, what can only be called, a sanctuary for the 22 gnomes in their care.

Since moving into their unit 13 years ago, the couple have acquired unloved and discarded ornaments from as far afield as Paraparaumu, giving them a fresh coat of paint and a spot amongst their other pieces of garden art.

In pride of place is ‘Colin’, found locally and named after his benefactor, the solid concrete statue “is the heaviest of the lot”, says Laurie.

It seems weight was not a factor when, ten years ago, the couple’s prized collection was stolen and dumped in a farmer’s paddock. The act of malice was well documented at the time and the publicity brought about the swift return of the much-loved ornaments.

Previously a dressmaker, Brenda likes to use her creative skills to paint and maintain their gnome family that dwells in the colourful and well-tended garden.

The couple moved to Feilding to be central to their family members. They like to keep to themselves but enjoy the security and community of the Alexandra Units.

It appears there really is no place like gnome.