Nancy Gill of Forward Township with Sweet Annie, who is a bit of a fashion plate. This year Annie is adorned in a blue denim jumper to coordinate with the larkspur in which she's standing.

Although many scarecrows deter pests, Nancy Gill's scarecrow welcomes guests.

Standing among various other ornaments in Gill's Forward Township farmscape, the scarecrow is dressed to coordinate with the color scheme of each year's blooms.

“I named my scarecrow Sweet Annie because when I first made her about 10 years ago she stood in a patch of sweet Annie, which is an herb used for drying in wreath-making and as an air freshener in closets,” Gill said.

“She wears a different outfit each year,” Gill added. “This year she's in a blue denim jumper. Now she's standing in a patch of larkspur. I keyed her clothing into the larkspur.”

Gill constructed Sweet Annie by hanging clothing over a store-bought wooden T. The head is a one-dimensional circle with a painted face and moss for hair.

“I always have a hat on her,” Gill noted. “It changes every year because the weather will do its toll on her. It's usually a straw hat of some sort.”

The clothes are found in various places including local thrift stores. But Gill admits to raiding her own closet as well as those of friends.

Sweet Annie's recent social engagements included co-hosting a garden tour and tea for St. John's United Church of Christ in Evans City.

Gill said her 40-plus guests were somewhat taken with Sweet Annie and hope next year to return.

In the meantime, the scarecrow provides companionship for Gill, who describes gardening as the best therapy.

“I'll go out for 15 minutes and pull a weed (and) I'm out there for two hours. The time just flies.”