Silent Sentinels

The curious case of the garden gnome phenomenon in the Adelaide Hills just gets stranger and stranger. One group’s denied responsibility — and issued stern words to a new generation of pranksters. The Mitcham & Hills Messenger reported last week gnomes were again mysteriously appearing across the hills, six years since they were last sighted. The Gnome Rangers, who have previously accepted responsibility for the prank, have denied any involvement this time.
 
The secret group has said it’s not behind the latest gnomes and has expressed concerns about the potential “commercialisation” of its legacy. This sparked conversation on social media the original gnome brigade was ready to take on the new generation of pranksters head-to-head.

But the Gnome Rangers say they have no plans to wage a war against those responsible for the latest spate of garden gnomes, appearing in the dead of night on the top of signs and roofs in the hills — in Blackwood, Belair, Glenalta, Coromandel Valley and Hawthorndene.
 
“The Gnome Rangers have not declared war, there is no dispute regarding responsibility for the gnoming phenomenon nor are there any plans in place for a retaliation gnoming mission,” a spokes-gnome said.
“This is an unfortunate and inflammatory misrepresentation of our statements. We only wish to express a desire that those who follow in our footsteps conduct gnoming in an anonymous and socially inclusive manner — free of the politics of business group allegiances and commercial self-promotion,” a spokes-gnome said.
 
Dr Heather Holmes-Ross, owner of The Artisan Cafe in Blackwood and head of the Totally Locally Blackwood marketing campaign, said she was aware who was behind the latest spate of gnomes. However, she refused to reveal who was responsible. “The only thing that makes sense is that it is a group, just like any other time it has happened here,” Dr Holmes-Ross said.

Our connection - we regularly eat at The Artisan Cafe.