WATERLOO, Iowa — Mythical figures or kitschy lawn ornaments, gnomes are part of garden folklore, and the Cedar Valley Arborettum and Botanic Garden is sponsoring an Adopt-a-Gnome program to raise funds for the garden.

For a $100 donation, donors can adopt and name a gnome for one year. The gnomes will be scattered throughout the garden and along paths, and using an educational map children can participate in a “Sherlock Gnomes Scavenger Hunt.”

Gnomes will be painted by volunteers at NewAldaya in Cedar Falls. The adoptive donor will receive a photograph of the finished gnome.

Deadline for adoption is Jan. 31.

The donation can be designated for a specific program or garden or as a general donation. Call (319) 226-4966 or email [email protected] to adopt a gnome.