Naked Gardening

/ Liz H

fresh strawberriesIt was Mabel’s favorite roadside stand, with unbeatable seasonal produce. Lettuce, firm and delicate, and tomatoes glowing with morning dew and midday sun were so flavorful, a scanty splash of vinegar and virgin olive oil defined perfection. The berries were bright with cool moonlight and damp lake winds dancing over pine and shrub.

Then Elsie, the source garden’s matriarch, had died of COVID from an unmasked customer. Some said the heirs started using chemicals to boost yield.

Mabel checked the rumors with her extra-sensitive skin. Under a moonless sky, she stripped down and lay amongst the lettuces.

And smiled.

© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2021)

Carrot Ranch Prompt (05/20/2021):  In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about naked gardening. Is it the veggies or the gardener who is naked? Go where the prompt leads!

16 thoughts on “Naked Gardening”

  2. I have a feeling that Mabel lay in the garden not so much to test the rumors of chemicals on her sensitive skin, but to honor Elsie’s legacy. Nice story.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. What a delightful story!
    The descriptions of the seasonal produce had me wanting to run out and buy the ingredients.
    But not so tasty maybe in the city.
    And certainly not advisable to lie down naked among the lettuces in the moonlight.
    Although…
    Great story, Liz.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Pingback: Naked Gardening « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

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