UK gnome shortage result of Suez blockage

Dramatic repercussions of the Suez Canal blockage were being felt in Britain last week, which combined with high demand during lockdown has caused a shortage of the beloved garden gnome.اضافة اعلان

The small bearded characters — often with a trowel or fishing rod in hand or sitting beneath a toadstool — have been a favorite of British gardeners since the 19th century.

But in the wake of last month’s snarl-up in the Suez, supplies of the diminutive garden guardians have dried up as many of the decorative ornaments have been left languishing in shipping containers.

Add that to what Ian Byrne of Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire calls a “massive upswing” in gnome sales during lockdown and you have a gnome problem.

“We haven’t seen a gnome in six months now unfortunately,” said the assistant manager.

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