On Friday, Oct. 19, Branford Garden Club's Eighth Annual Scarecrows on the Green moved in on the Branford green, and they plan to stick around for a while. The display will be up for all to enjoy through Sunday, November 4. 

Strolling among the scarecrows has become a favorite fall activity for residents and visitors, who flock to the town center to inspect creations set up in prime locations on the  main green, between Main Street and Town Hall Drive. The scarecrows may be silent, but their signs and unique designs make them a great "spokescrow" for local businesses, clubs, schools, organizations, non-profits and even families or individuals.

BGC first built Scarecrows on the Green as a fundraiser in 2011. The idea was born as a way to help restore town plantings destroyed just weeks earlier by Hurricane Irene. Since then, the annual event's blossomed into an eye-catching fall favorite which helps support ongoing efforts of BGC. Scarecrow appreciators can help out by dropping a donation in the collection basket manned by many BGC members who will be out and about on the green during the display period. Just look for the folks in the green BGC aprons.

BGC invites the public to join the fall fun by coming out to "...take a stroll and admire the creative talents of our local businesses, organizations, families and friends."  All proceeds to the Branford Garden Club contribute to the continuous beautification of Branford.

As part of BGC's mission to beautify Branford, club members plant and maintain Main Street's lamppost baskets, the town green Veterans Memorial Garden (at the flagpole) and the town green Mae McCabe Memorial Day Day Lilly Garden, as well as the Alta Newton Memorial Herb Garden and The Border Garden at historic Harrison House. For well over two decades, BGC has planted thousands of daffodil bulbs throughout town, from Branford Point to points all along Main Street and beyond. Among other endeavors, 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.