It's time to scare up a great idea and create a scarecrow representing your group, organization or business for Branford Garden Club's (BGC) third annual "Scarecrows on the Green," coming Sat. Oct. 19 – Sun. Oct. 27. Scarecrow applications are being accepted now through Oct. 15, 2013.

BGC originated Branford's Scarecrows on the Green as a fundraiser in 2011 to restore town plantings, just weeks after Tropical Storm Irene devastated much of the area. Residents instantly fell in love with the idea of visiting the green on a fine fall day to stroll past the exuberant examples on display. The idea has blossomed into an annual event supporting efforts of BGC.

"All monetary donations to 'Scarecrows' are used to help us in our work to keep Branford beautiful and the special place it is to work and live," said event co-organizer Rodney Hayes.

Club members plant and maintain Main Street's lamp-pole baskets, the town gardens on the green, the garden and herb garden at historic Harrison House and, over the past 20-plus years, have planted thousands of daffodil bulbs throughout town. BGC supplies Christmas decorating at Branford's public libraries and the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven. The club was instrumental in developing the Rosenthal Gardens and Garden at the Community Dining Room (CDR). BGC also provides weekly table flower arrangements at CDR.

BGC is accepting applications now for creative, family-friendly 'crows which will uniquely represent their makers. Past scarecrow creations have ranged from "Bulbs for the Cure" (a bulb-headed, top-heavy, and pink-garbed beauty promoting Breast Cancer Awareness) to BGC's own classic lady scarecrow, wearing a club member's trademark green gardening apron and holding a flyer promoting Scarecrows on the Green.

During the display dates of Oct. 19 – 27, BGC members will also be on hand to "pass the basket" on the green, so appreciative visitors can contribute free-will donations.

Applications to join Scarecrows on the Green are available now at www.branfordgardenclub.org (click on Special Events) or by contacting Rodney Hayes at rodneyfhayes@yahoo.com or call (203) 481-5918.