By PETER DOUGLAS
MONTROSE resident Ina Johnstone, 94, is a keen gardener who has a garlic bulb she has now grown for more than 50 years.
This month, Mrs Johnstone passed on her 50-year-old cloves of garlic to the Sarah Court Preschool community as they prepare for the Healthy Harvest Festival next month.
The bulbs were planted in the preschool’s vegetable garden and shared with families interested in starting this tradition in their own backyards.
Mrs Johnstone has lived on Sarah Court for 50 years and in Montrose for 70 years.
Her garlic tradition started over half a century ago, when she made the decision to split one bulb in half after it had dried.
Mr Johnstone replanted half and used the other half for both eating and sharing with others.
“Gardening has given me so much joy over the years and I have most enjoyed it when I can share my love of gardening with others,” Mrs Johnstone said.
“I am so delighted that Sarah Court Preschool was interested in keeping my garlic growing.
“I hope it can be shared for another 50 years.”
The preschool said the moment they heard about Ina’s garlic tradition, they were keen to keep it going.
The community and garden lovers are invited to attend Sarah Court Preschool’s Healthy Harvest Festival on Saturday, 12 September, from 10am to 2pm.
A celebration of healthy local living, the festival’s aim is to inspire everyone to grow their own edible food, eat healthy meals, shop locally and be active.
For more information, visit www.healthyharvestfestival.com.
The community can also learn how to begin a garlic-growing tradition of their own by visiting the growing page of the festival website.
