We’re bringing you something big – yet small – this fall with the first-ever Garden Gnome Grove! This autumn counterpart to the beloved Woodland Faerie Trail in the summer will see the Oak Grove trails filled with cozy homes to house garden gnomes as the Texas weather cools off. Keep one eye on your inbox for more information coming soon – and save the date for open registration on August 15!
Please Note: When you click the link above to register, please use the “Other Dates” link at the top of the page to purchase registration for the day you will be installing your Gnomestead. Thank you!
Garden Gnome Grove Guidelines:
Before registering, please be sure you can commit to both installation and reclamation dates. The gnomes rely on you!
Installation Dates:
Monday, September 7 – Friday, September 18
- Entry: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Please be cleaned up and ready to leave by garden close at 5:00 PM
Grove Opens: Saturday, September 19, Opening celebration from 10 AM – 2 PM
Grove Closes: Sunday, November 8, Closing Celebration & Reclaim Day: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Reclaim Your Gnome Home: Saturday, November 7 – Sunday, November 22
🚩Any gnomesteads not reclaimed by November 22 cannot remain in the Garden. Thank you for helping us care for the space by taking everything you bring back home with you.🚩
Plot Assignment and Installation Commitment
Each Gnomesteader is assigned a specific plot after registration (you will receive a separate email with your plot number). Please install your gnomestead only in your assigned plot.
✨ Plots are not first-come, first-served.
To ensure the grove is full and magical for all visitors:
- If you are unable to install your gnomestead, please notify us as soon as possible so we may offer your plot to another participant on the waitlist.
- If a gnomestead is not installed by September 18, the plot may be released to a gnomesteader on the waitlist.
Thank you for helping us create a complete and vibrant Garden Gnome Grove!
Building Your Gnomestead
Gnomesteads should embody coziness, playfulness, magic, mystery or whimsy. The Gnomes adore:
- ✔️ Creative, unique designs using local and found materials
- ✔️ Any shape or size up to 4 ft. x 4 ft.
- ✔️ Durability to withstand wind, rain, and Texas summer heat
- ✔️ Respect for flora & fauna – no harming plants or wildlife
- ✔️ A stable base (wood, tree cookies, etc.), well-hidden or blended into the surroundings
- 🚫 Avoid: Political or offensive messages/themes, business promotion
The Fae reserve the right to decline or remove homes that don’t meet these guidelines. See full list of recommended and forbidden materials by downloading the full Guidelines PDF here!
Housekeeping: Care & Maintenance
Gnomesteads may be affected by wind, rain, sun, and mischievous visitors (both human and magical). You are encouraged to maintain your home throughout the summer.
Homes left unattended and in disrepair may be whisked away.
Free Garden Entry for Maintenance throughout the summer – email info@zbgconservancy.org, or let the gate know you are here to maintain your gnomestead.
Gnomestead Contest
Gnomesteaders are invited to participate in a friendly competition! Winners receive a free gnomestead plot for next year and a Zilker Botanical Garden membership for one year.
Voting: September 7 – November 2
Winners Announced: November 8 at the Closing Celebration
Categories:
✨ Best Use of Natural Materials – For homes that harmoniously blend with nature
✨ Coziest Abode – Celebrating creativity, magic, and playfulness
✨ People’s Choice Award – Listen to your heart and vote for your favorite!
Ideal Materials for Building
General rule of thumb: if it naturally returns to the earth, it’s ok!
🌿 Wood & Bark: Driftwood, cedar, redwood, thick bark, sticks, plywood
🏡 Stone & Rock: Flat stones, pebbles, river rocks, slate, collected rocks
🍃 Moss & Natural Fibers: Dried moss, coconut husk, twine, vines
🧱 Clay & Sand-Based Materials: Air-dried clay, cob (mud & straw)
🐚 Shells & Natural Accents: Seashells, pinecones, acorns, pressed leaves, dry grasses, nuts
🔍 To increase durability: Seal wood and fibers with beeswax, linseed oil, or resin. Avoid adhesives that degrade in heat or rain.
Closing Celebration & Reclamation
Closing Celebration: Nov. 8, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
This is the primary day to reclaim your gnomestead.
Reclamation Window: July 18 – July 25
Please take everything you brought into the garden back with you, and give your faerie home a new life! Consider transforming it into:
- A pollinator habitat
- An insect hotel
- A magical feature in your own garden
🚩Any gnomesteads not reclaimed by November 22 cannot remain in the Garden. Thank you for helping us care for the space by taking everything you bring back home with you.🚩