Scare mongering

It may not actually keep birds away from your fruit or vegies, but a scarecrow is a visual winner and lots of fun if the kids join in its construction. Popular in 15th century England and used more than 2500 years ago by Greek and Roman farmers, a scarecrow can be as simple as old clothes hung from a timber frame or, for something more impressive, form a body from a straw-filled hessian bag and attire appropriately. Importantly, rig your scary one out with gumboots and a traditional straw hat.