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Call for ‘Crows: Join the 2025 Scarecrow Trail

It’s harvest time, and nothing says FALL quite like Festifall at the Garden!
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, we invite you to bring your creativity to life during one of our most beloved autumn traditions: the Scarecrow Trail.

Each year, families, schools, businesses, and organizations across our community come together to craft the funniest, cutest, or creepiest scarecrows they can imagine, and display them along the Garden paths for all to enjoy in September-October.

The 2025 theme is Witchy Woodlands Scarecrow Trail!

Theme: Witchy Woodlands Scarecrow Trail

Description: Step into a storybook forest where woodland magic and whimsical mischief come to life! The Witchy Woodland Scarecrow Trail winds its way through the Garden, where scarecrows don mossy cloaks, pointed hats, and forest-foraged accessories.

By day, the trail delights families and curious explorers. New this year: October 16-19, the trail will become a spirited extension of Spellbound at the Garden—a 21+ autumn event that transforms the woodland charm into something a little more…witchy.

Cost to enter:

  • $250 (Businesses & Individuals/Groups (Non-Garden Members))
  • $200 (Garden Members)
  • $100 (Schools & Nonprofits)

Please note that there is no charge to apply, but if your scarecrow is selected, the entry donation will be due by August 15th. The T-frame is provided by the Garden, but materials are the responsibility of the entrant.

Important Dates:

  • July 7 – Applications Open
  • August 8 – Application Deadline
  • August 12 – All entrants notified of acceptance status. T-frames will be available for pickup at the Garden upon paid donation.
  • August 15 – Entry Donation Due
  • August 29 – Scarecrows Due on Site at the Garden.
  • September 1 – October 31: Scarecrows on display in the Garden.
  • September 4 – Social media content begins.
  • October 31 – Social media contest winners are announced.
  • November 1 – Removal of scarecrows, please dismantle your scarecrow and leave the T- frame with Garden staff.
  • November 2 – All remaining scarecrows removed by Garden staff. Any remaining material will be disposed.

Benefits of participating:

  • Support the Garden’s mission to connect people to plants to improve quality of life for the region
  • Company or group name listed on signage labeling the scarecrow display
  • Company or group name will be recognized on signage in atrium of Propst Guest Center during the months of September and October
  • Company or group name will be recognized in the Garden’s e-newsletter
  • Social media contest with winners determined by likes
  • Be a part of our debut of Spellbound at the Garden.

Inspiration for your Scarecrow:

  • Moss-covered broomsticks, mushroom-ringed glades, and twiggy familiars
  • Apothecary shelves filled with “spells” made from acorns, petals, and pinecones
  • Enchanted forest creatures—think owls in spectacles, frogs with spell books, and foxes in velvet capes
  • Glowing lanterns and magical motifs hinting at moonlit rituals and nature’s mysteries
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Guidelines:
– Theme: Witchy Woodlands
– Build your scarecrow on the T-frame provided by the Garden to allow for easy installation.
– Be prepared to transport and install your scarecrow in the Garden. Garden staff will help you find your scarecrow’s designated location, where there will be a post in the ground for easy installation.
– Build your scarecrow with durable materials that will withstand the elements. We do not recommend using live plants or real pumpkins, as they deteriorate quickly. Any scarecrow that deteriorates excessively will be removed from the Scarecrow Trail.
– Build your scarecrow with materials that you do not expect to be returned. The Garden is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.
– Provide your name and the name of your scarecrow for the Garden to display. Additional signage, pamphlets, or handouts are not permitted.
– Make sure your scarecrow is aligned with the theme and suitable for all ages. Any entry in poor taste for family viewing, depicting controversial subjects, or overtly commercial or political will not be accepted. The Garden reserves the right to refuse any entry.
– Note that by participating in the Scarecrow Trail, you agree to allow the Garden to use photographs of your scarecrow for marketing and publicity efforts.

Cost to enter: $250 (Businesses & Individuals or Groups who are not Garden Members), $200 (Garden Members), $100 (Schools & Nonprofits). Please note that there is no charge to apply, but if your scarecrow is selected, the entry donation will be due by August 15th. The T-frame is provided by the Garden, but materials are the responsibility of the entrant.

Important Dates:
Call for Crows – July 7th
Applications Due – Aug. 8th
Notify accepted crows and have T-Frames available – Aug. 12th
Payment Due – Aug. 15th
Crows Due to the Garden – Aug. 29th
Scarecrow Trail Open – Sept. 1st
September 1 – October 31: Scarecrows on display in Garden
October 31: Social media contest winners announced
November 1: Removal of scarecrows, please dismantle your scarecrow and leave the T-frame with the Garden
November 2: All remaining scarecrows removed by Garden staff, materials disposed of


Benefits of participating:
– Support the Garden’s mission to connect people to plants to improve quality of life for the region
– Company or group name listed on signage by scarecrow
– Company or group name will be recognized on signage in atrium of Propst Guest Center during the months of September and October
– Company or group name will be recognized in e-newsletter
– Social media contest with winners determined by likes

Thank you for your consideration of supporting the Garden by participating in this fun tradition and celebration!