Google Doodles often transform the search engine’s homepage into a canvas for celebration, art, and history.
On June 10, 2018, users were treated to an especially delightful interactive Doodle: a game celebrating garden gnomes.
This wasn’t just a simple animation; it was a full-fledged game that invited players to launch charming gnomes across a digital garden, blending history, physics based fun, and a bit of friendly competition.
Where Did Garden Gnomes Come From?
Before they were the stars of a Google Doodle, garden gnomes had a long and fascinating history.
These small, bearded figures with pointy red hats are more than just kitschy lawn ornaments; they are steeped in European folklore and tradition.
The story begins as early as the 13th century in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), where gnome-like figures first appeared in folklore.
They re-emerged in 16th-century Italy, but the garden gnome we recognize today truly took shape in 19th-century Germany.
In the mining region of Thuringia, local artisans began hand-crafting clay gnomes.
Inspired by local myths of small, earth-dwelling creatures who were guardians of treasure and gardens, these craftsmen created the iconic figures with shaggy beards and pointed hats.
These early gnomes were believed to be protectors of the garden, helping plants flourish and bringing good luck to the household.
As leisure time increased, these charming statues found their way into gardens across Germany and eventually, the world.
The Google Doodle pays homage to this heritage, starting the game with a brief animation showing how these clay figures were traditionally made, fired in a kiln, and hand-painted.
How Do You Play the Gnome Google Doodle?
The objective of the game is simple: launch your gnome as far as possible to plant a trail of flowers and earn points. The game uses a trebuchet, a type of catapult, to send your gnomes flying.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
Start the Swing
Press the spacebar (or tap your screen on mobile) to begin swinging the trebuchet.
Launch the Gnome
Press the spacebar a second time to release the gnome. Timing is crucial here. Releasing at the right moment will send your gnome on the perfect arc for maximum distance.
Plant and Score
As your gnome travels through the air and bounces along the ground, it automatically plants flowers. The farther it goes, the more flowers you plant and the higher your score.
Use Boosts
The garden is filled with objects that can help or hinder your progress. Bouncing on mushrooms and logs or getting a lift from butterflies can extend your gnome’s journey significantly.
Choose Your Gnome
After the tutorial, you can select from six different gnomes, each with unique attributes that affect its flight and bounce.
Which Gnome Is the Best?
Not all gnomes are created equal. Each of the six playable gnomes has different physical properties weight, bounce, and shape that impact how they fly and interact with the environment.
Choosing the right one is key to mastering the game.
| Gnome Character | Key Attributes | Best For |
| Standard Red | Balanced weight and bounce. | Beginners learning the game’s physics. |
| Pointy Hat | Lighter, higher flight path. | Reaching high-up boosts like clouds and butterflies. |
| Heavy Blue | Heavier, gains more momentum. | Smashing through obstacles and traveling far after a boost. |
| Bouncy Yellow | High bounce value. | Chaining together multiple bounces on mushrooms and logs. |
| Teal with Wings | Floats more, slower descent. | Covering long distances with a slow, gliding flight. |
| Purple Round | Rolls easily upon landing. | Gaining extra distance on flat terrain after landing. |
While the heavier gnomes are often favored by high-scorers for their ability to maintain momentum, the best gnome ultimately depends on your strategy.
Experiment with each one to see which best suits your playstyle.
What Are the Best Tips and Tricks for a High Score?
Ready to move from a casual player to a high-score champion? While there’s an element of luck involved, skill and strategy play a massive role.
Here are some tips and tricks to send your gnomes flying farther than ever before.
Perfect Your Timing
The most critical skill is timing your release. The sweet spot is launching the gnome just after the trebuchet’s arm passes its highest point.
This gives you the best combination of height and forward momentum.
Master the Downward Dive
A lesser-known trick is the ability to perform a downward dive. Tapping the spacebar while your gnome is in mid-air will cause it to drop faster.
This is incredibly useful for hitting a specific mushroom or log to get a powerful bounce.
Chain Your Boosts
The secret to massive scores is creating combos. Try to hit a mushroom to launch you toward a butterfly, which then lifts you to a cloud.
Planning your path and chaining boosts together is how you achieve record-breaking distances.
Use Bounces Strategically
Don’t just let your gnome land randomly. Aim for logs and mushrooms. Hitting them at the right angle can send your gnome flying again with renewed speed.
The Backwards Launch
For a fun challenge, try launching your gnome backward.
While not a reliable strategy for high scores, skilled players have discovered it can sometimes trigger unusual physics, sending the gnome on a wild, unpredictable ride.
Behind the Doodle: The Creative Team
The Celebrating Garden Gnomes Doodle was a collaborative effort by a talented team at Google.
Lead artist Gerben Steenks drew inspiration from Germany’s rich folk history, including traditional wood carving and village architecture, to create the game’s charming visual style.
The team, which included engineers, UX designers, and program managers, explored numerous concepts before landing on the final game.
They even designed humorous poses for the gnomes to strike upon landing, adding another layer of personality to the experience.
One fun fact from the development process: the team considered adding a “gnome hot tub” pose, but it didn’t make the final cut.
A Lasting Legacy
Even years after its release, the game remains accessible in the Google Doodle archives, a testament to its enduring appeal.
It stands as a perfect example of how a simple concept can be transformed into a memorable and educational piece of entertainment.
So, the next time you see a garden gnome, you’ll know the rich history it represents. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, why not give the game another play?
Jake Miller is a mobile troubleshooting specialist with 7+ years of experience solving Android and app-related issues. He tests every fix on real devices to ensure accuracy and reliability. Jake creates simple, step-by-step guides to help users quickly resolve everyday smartphone problems.
