Gnomes

A gnome is a mythical creature, small in stature and with a subterranean lifestyle. Gnomes represent the earth element, and they move as easily through the earth as humans walk upon it. The sun's rays turn them into stone. Perhaps this explains their stony presence in many gardens.
 In other traditions, they are small, mischievous sprites or goblins. Some claim they spend the day as toads rather than as stone.