  For an American gothic theme, use mums for a calico dress, shovels for the head, wheat and corn silk for hair, arms made with cornstalks to bend any direction you want.
 For Halloween, create the haunting sight of a headless horseman by using a stake for the body, a pumpkin for the head, a stem for the disjointed nose and a garden fork for the hand. Of course, the headless horseman is nothing without Icabod Crane, who can be made with a pole for the body, basket for the head and garden gloves for hands.
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Scarecrows have been the watchdogs for farms and gardens for hundreds of years, keeping birds at bay. Today, they're the icons of the autumn garden. With a little imagination and creativity, you can use items from your garden, including tools and plant material, to get into the spirit of the season.
Consider a simple gourd. Built-in warts create the perfect garden witch. Nozzles from a water hose make a great nose, and weeds are a perfect finishing touch for hair. Secure the head on top of cornstalks. Use landscape fabric wrapped around the stalks for a cape. Place an old pot over some red and orange leaves for a cauldron, and add some dry ice and water for a bubbling brew.
The more creative you are, the more likely you'll trick the birds from stealing a garden treat.
And to create man's best friend, turn a tomato cage sideways and add bamboo, cornstalks and dried hydrangeas for a great scarecrow that is nothing to bark at.
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