Crossword Genius

On the contrary, some lemon grass gives a little garden whimsy? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gnome

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a little garden whimsy?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'on the contrary some lemon grass' is the wordplay.
'on the contrary' says the letters should be written backwards (letters in the opposite or contrary direction).
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'emong' can be found hidden inside 'lemon grass'.
'emong' in reverse letter order is 'GNOME'.

'gives' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gnome that I've seen before include "Legendary creature" , "Little garden man?" , "international banker" , "Fairy-tale creature, in the garden perhaps" , "Mythical creature" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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