Read by Matilda Longbottom

Garlic possesses a certain slyness. At first glance, it appears innocent enough—a mere bulb, unassuming and straightforward. Yet, beneath its unpretentious exterior lies a mischievous nature.

Picture this: the serene act of planting a clove, gently nestled in the earth, unaware of the clandestine events to follow. As time passes, a slender green shoot emerges, promising a bountiful harvest. All seems simple, almost too easy.

But oh, how garlic loves to play tricks! Perhaps it’s the expanse of an one-eighth-acre plantation or the sudden weed invasion that reveals its true nature. Or maybe garlic simply enjoys its secret methods of proliferation.

Let’s rewind to September, when the ground was a canvas of potential and cloves were tucked into the earth with precision. Come October, the first green tendrils appeared like clockwork. By Spring, the garden was a sight to behold, promising a record yield.

Yet, as any seasoned gardener knows, June brings a whirlwind of activity. Weeds flourish, and the once-pristine garlic plants become lost in the chaos. Amidst the frenzy of Summer, it seemed our garlic would remain buried forever.

Then came a muddy Tuesday, a day dedicated to unravelling the mystery of the buried treasure. Armed with boxes, shovels, and determination, we ventured into the weed-infested sea. What awaited us was not just garlic but an adventure akin to mining for gold.

Hours passed as we unearthed garlic after garlic, navigating through the tangled roots and foliage. It was a triumph marred only by blistered fingers and aching muscles. Yet, as we stood amidst our bounty, a sense of accomplishment washed over us, marking the beginning of a Summer-long celebration.

But the garlic had one last trick up its sleeve. After the final clove had been sold and the last celebration had faded, we returned to the old patch to find a surprising sight—new garlic sprouts defiantly emerging from the soil.

It was a reminder that while planting and growing garlic may be simple, harvesting is a different tale altogether. Just when you think you’ve conquered all, garlic winks mischievously and sprouts anew, a testament to its playful nature.

And so, I don’t mind the antics of garlic. For amidst the challenges lies the joy of a gardener’s journey, filled with surprises and laughter. ❖

About the Author: Elizabeth S. Riall penned this story on her trusty typewriter, determined to share a tale that celebrates the whimsy of gardening and the resilience of nature.