Titanarum

You know the packets of seeds that have ‘Giant, Super size and Exhibition’ written on banners across them? Who’d buy them? Who’d rate size higher than taste? People like Mr. W would. He’s already sowed his humongous onions and mile long leeks in his electrically heated and humidity controlled mini greenhouse. I ran into him the other day. A lovely fella in the autumn of his life. Always up for a chat, a smile and a wink. But behind the friendly exterior lurks a doggedly determined perfectionist. The straightness of his rows is legendary. And as for his weeding I am struggling for words. They don’t grow on his patch. Handpicking the seeds that fly in from neighbouring plots they never have a chance to sprout. And as for runner beans the only word that comes to mind is uniform. The man is truly awesome. And that is why for 30 odd years he has taken first prize in every single vegetable he has cared to grow. Nobody in their right mind would aspire to more than a silver medal if Mr W has entered his produce. I, of course, am a taste person. What care I if a bean is bent or a leek stumpy? Still, I salute  you, Mr W.