Make Your Own Garden Ornaments

Decorating efforts have moved to the yard where gardeners are exhibiting renewed interest in ornamentation. Mirrored reflection globes, arbors, decorative fences and gates, benches and fountains have joined the traditional bird baths in the garden. Even pots of flowering plants have moved off the deck and are being scattered throughout the garden.

Garden writers have responded and among the new books on the market is “Garden Projects You Can Build” by David & Jeanie Stiles (Chapters, $17.95).

The 150-page book’s loaded with relatively easy projects ranging from garden benches to arbors, window boxes to a heart gate. A materials list, building directions, and drawings detailing various construction phases accompany each project.

Educational diversions: It’s not too early to sign up for summer classes at Corbin Art Center. Among the one-day adult workshops are a class covering the history of furniture styles and another about window coverings. Crafts-oriented workshops include a Victorian fall wreath and a potpourri centerpiece. There are also five herb classes (two involve growing, one is harvesting and drying and two are about making herb crafts).

For registration information, call 625-6200.

Cover up: The American Horticulture Society is urging all gardeners to wear sufficient protection from the sun as a guard against skin cancer. To this end, the group has endorsed an official hat, chosen for superior shading benefits, quality and value.

The hat - Headunter’s Ultimate Lifeguard Hat - boasts a five-inch brim and a tight palm weave to screen harmful UV rays. Six holes allow ventilation. The hat is available for $24.95 (includes shipping) by calling (800) 808-8228; a portion of the sales benefit the American Horticulture Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation.