A gnameless gnome has arrived at Reiman Gardens — and he won’t be doing any roaming anytime soon.

Reiman Gardens is now the home of the tallest gnome in the United States, as part of the Gardens’ 2010 theme, “A Celebration of Garden Ornamentation.” He arrived Friday, after a 400-mile journey from Wausau, Wis.

“He looks like he kind of belongs here,” said Reiman Gardens director Teresa McLaughlin of the 15-foot, nearly 3,500-pound creature.

McLaughlin explained that during a brainstorming session for the Gardens’ “Garden Ornamentation” theme, employees discussed ways to attract visitors, especially during tough financial times. One employee suggested they build the largest gnome in the world.

Reiman Gardens employees discovered that the previous tallest gnome in the United States is 13.5 feet tall, so they decided to have a 15-foot gnome created. They communicated with Guinness World Records and were determined to set a record.

However, much to the dismay of Reiman Gardens, about a month ago, it was discovered that an 18-foot gnome resides in Poland.

Poland’s gnome is made of fiberglass, which leaves the Gardens’ gnome as the tallest concrete gnome in the world.

The gnome, built by Andy and Connie Kautza, owners of National Rock and Sculpture, Inc. of Wausau, Wis., is constructed from concrete and rebar, a reinforcing steel bar. And, keeping with Reiman Gardens’ commitment to the environment, it is completely sustainable.

Iowa State has a pre-existing connection to gnomes — McLaughlin mentioned that one of the marketing managers for Travelocity, known for its Roaming Gnome, is an ISU graduate.

Reiman Gardens is currently accepting suggestions to name its gnome, and McLaughlin said they have received about 60 already. The name will be revealed April 22, during the Gardens’ Earth Day celebration. Former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Wendy Wintersteen and Mayor Ann Campbell will be in attendance for a tree planting, bag lunch and preview party.

The giant gnome won’t be the only bearded creature in the Gardens on April 22. Unpainted concrete gnomes from the same mold as the giant gnome were sent to 22 Ames community organizations, to be painted and stashed throughout Reiman Gardens. Five gnomes have already been returned, and when they are all placed, visitors can search for them in a scavenger hunt.

“It’s like an army of gnomes,” McLaughlin said.

The “Gnome Sweet Gnome” and “Go Big and Go Gnome” shows will be accompanied by several other “Garden Ornamentation” exhibits, including “Summer Breeze,” “Knot Your Typical Topiary” and a “Flamingotorium.”

“We had the dinosaurs last year,” McLaughlin said. “I think it’s just, there’s something about gnomes.”

This gnome is “as permanent as anything is in the garden,” McLaughlin said, adding that while they will keep the gnome for several years, they eventually hope to sell him.

McLaughlin said that while they have received some negative feedback questioning the Gardens’ decision to display a gnome among the plants, the public reaction has been largely positive. Small children especially are “enamored with him,” and McLaughlin is happy with the gnome’s abode, tucked away toward the back of the Gardens.