Garden People: The Art of the Modern Scarecrow

Modern Scarecrow

What comes to your mind when you think of a scarecrow? Most people think of the straw filled decorations they see around Fall and Halloween. Then there’s that “Wizard of Oz guy”.

Scarecrows go way back. I won’t go into a history lesson, here. But scarecrows performed a very valuable function, as crows are large bird that can consume a lot of corn, either at planting time or at harvest. One couldn’t have people out in the fields all the time to chase off the hungry birds. So scarecrows filled in the gaps providing a human presence in the fields.

Today, they are more or less symbols we associate with agriculture, American traditions, and a deep-rooted farming heritage. Scarecrows are endearing decorations that will always be big sellers around Fall. And while straw is still the stuff classic scarecrows are made of, some have moved on to a new job. They still provide a human presence, only they are generally not out to ‘scare’ anything.

Rise of the modern scarecrow

If you were out walking the dog and didn’t look too closely, you might mistake the figure in the picture below for a woman out working in her garden. You might even yell out “hi!” as you passed by.

For lack of a better term, people just refer to them as “scarecrows”. Even though there’s hardly any straw, we simply have no other word to describe a modern scarecrow. In some circles, I’ve heard them referred to as “Garden People”.

They’ve left the corn fields, replaced by better crow-scaring technology. But all is not lost. The task of the modern scarecrow these days, is not so much about protecting the harvest, as it is ‘performance art’. With clothing, posture, and a prop or two, it’s almost enough to bring a scarecrow to life. The scarecrow is a welcoming addition to any yard or garden bringing a much needed touch of whimsy. And a ton of smiles.

Not out to ‘scare’ anything

I don’t know when this trend began. I’ve seen modern scarecrows from Australia, England and Pennsylvania. All I know is that I was enamored when I saw my first “garden person” on Pinterest a few years ago. And what an amusing bunch they are, too! I simply had to have one. Just one problem. I didn’t know how to make it.

How to make a wood-frame scarecrow

Thankfully, Barbara Rosen came to the rescue. She and her husband Len have their own garden website called Our Fairfield Home & Garden. Barb very generously offers the plans for her “Wood Scrap Scarecrow” for free. I’m not very good with carpentry, but the Rosen’s model is the most simple one out there. To get the Rosen’s “Woodscrap Scarecrow” directions, click HERE

It calls for a 5ft length of 2×4 and requires only 2-3 cuts, all of which I could easily do with a hand saw. Barb listed out all the materials and measurements in her own, easy-to read handwriting. (which was so wonderful to see in today’s technical world)

What I like best about Barb’s design is that the arms are joined at the shoulder and elbow with a little bolt and a wingnut. This means the arms can be adjusted so your “garden person” can express humor or any imaginable thing with a variety of human-like poses.

Would your garden love a modern Scarecrow?

Meet Miss Emily, also known as “Lady Emily”. She’s my new “Garden Person” who helps me out around the place. What I love most is the whimsy she brings to my garden. Yes, the flowers are lovely, but Emily gives it a big dose of personality!

With the hat, she stands about 5 1/2 feet tall, such that I even did a few double-takes that first year I stood her out in the yard. But she’s such a pleasure to have around and compliments the garden theme I’m working on.

I started Make it a Garden to be a compelling blog for garden art and design. To introduce hobby gardeners like myself, to interesting ways to add character and imagination to the scenery. Art is one element that really makes it happen.

Tips for an effective display

A scarecrow is a unique type of garden art. Think of it as a decorative accent, and you can’t go wrong. That being said, your scarecrow or “Garden Person” if-you-will, will fit it better if you dress him or her to compliment your garden theme. It can be dressed as a cowboy, a hippy, or in a vintage dress with “pearls”, all ready for the tea party.

Additionally, your garden person will be much more entertaining if shown engaged in an activity. So you’ll want to add an appropriate prop or two. Is it watering the flowers? Get an old watering can or a piece of garden hose.

Raking leaves? Give him an old rake. Bicycles are popular in garden decor these days. So, you could lean an old bicycle up against him to make it look like he just arrived for a visit. Pour on the charm!

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Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?

Miss Emily and I are so glad you dropped by the garden today. We’re always available to share ideas and helpful tips that will make your yard or garden a more interesting place to spend time. Please let us know if you visited The Rosen’s site or make a wood-scrap scarecrow. We’ll post it on our braggin’ board for everyone to see.

We’d also love to hear about your garden plans and what you’re working on at your place? You probably have a spot where a scarecrow…um…garden person would like to hang out.

Other fanciful characters you’ll meet in the garden

The Fairy Artist Who’ll Make You Believe

People of the Dish: How to Bring a Tea Cup to Life