If you’d like to add a little “wildlife” to the yard this spring, this trio of deer planters is a fresh and attractive way to display plants and flowers on the porch or patio, and they’re guaranteed not to nibble the produce. They also work indoors for houseplants, and when the holidays roll around, they make great reindeer perfect for poinsettias, ornaments or even gifts.

Each planter is built from just 14 pieces of standard pine or Douglas fir, with wooden balls and buttons for the noses and eyes. All three sizes are constructed following the same five basic steps, so once the first is done, the others are especially easy.

To build, simply trace the parts onto wood and cut out. Next, sand everything and assemble with glue and nails. Finally, add the eyes and nose and finish with a clear coat (as pictured), paint or stain. Do-it-yourselfers can build any or all of the three in any combination.

The small deer is 16 inches tall by 14 inches long by 7 inches wide, the medium deer measures 24 inches tall by 22 inches long by 10 inches wide and the large deer stands 32 inches tall by 30 inches long by 13 inches wide.

The Deer Planter Trio plan, No. 745, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, an assembly diagram, a shopping list and a cutting schedule.

A package of three animal planter plans, No. C103, is $21.95 and includes this plan plus plans for a cow planter and a donkey cart planter. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2.00. Prices include postage and handling. Please allow about four weeks for delivery (for first-class postage, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum).

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o Lewiston Sun Journal, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409. To order by credit card, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at www.u-bild.com.