Hunter, who helped make the scarecrow, keeps Mrs. Doubtfire company in Linda's Slippery Rock Township garden.

In many home gardens, fencing will prevent rabbits and other wildlife from snacking on tender greens.

But Linda Ligo needed additional measures when she began planting corn.

“I would plant corn and it would come up and it would disappear,” said Ligo, who lives in Slippery Rock Township. “I realized the crows were getting it. The minute it came up through the ground they cleaned it up.”

To remedy the problem, Ligo's son Brett, his wife, Cynthia, and their son, Hunter, created Mrs. Doubtfire, a portly scarecrow who arrived five years ago on Mother's Day.

Her weatherproof Styrofoam stuffing and head have allowed Mrs. Doubtfire to endure multiple seasons. Her work begins at planting time in May and ends in mid-July, when she is no longer visible amid the tall crop.

By that time, she has achieved success: ensuring a successful harvest of corn.

“I freeze it. I give it away. We eat it,” said Ligo. “Everybody who comes to the house gets corn.”Mrs. Doubtfire is rewarded with snug winter accommodations in a garden shed, and the occasional new dress and hat.According to Ligo, she also is rewarded with gratitude.“Everybody loves her,” Ligo said.

Linda Ligo and her grandson, Hunter, attend to Mrs. Doubtfire.