The Mysterious Case of the Missing Basil

Summary

Sandi Parsons recounts the humorous mystery of her missing basil plant, which was eventually solved by discovering her dog, Rotto, as the culprit.

Abstract

Sandi Parsons, known for her lack of a green thumb, surprisingly finds success in growing basil. After several incidents of missing basil sprouts, she investigates whether local wildlife could be responsible. However, the mystery is resolved when she catches her dog, Rotto, having stolen and enjoyed the entire plant. The story is a light-hearted take on domestic life and gardening mishaps.

Opinions

Parsons self-deprecatingly describes herself as someone who lacks gardening skills, often forgetting to water plants and neglecting to fertilize.
She expresses pride and surprise over the successful growth of basil, which was significant enough to be used in multiple family meals.
The author initially suspects wild birds or a neighborhood animal named Chilli the Red Stealer as potential basil thieves.
Parsons affectionately refers to her dog, Rotto, as the "basil thief," indicating a humorous and loving relationship with her pet.
She shares her story with a touch of humor and personal reflection, inviting readers to join her in the amusing anecdote of her domestic life.

“Who ate the basil?” “Caught him!”

There is some disagreement over the opposite of a green thumb. Regardless of the term, that’s me. I can be counted on to forget to water, then overcompensate by over-watering, neglect to fertilize, and I certainly don’t talk to my plants.

My skill set, it would appear, is removing dead plants from the garden.

So when the basil started growing in abundance, it was a celebration. Grant made several pasta dishes using our homegrown basil. We even had to trim it — that was a first.

Then little sprouts started disappearing. At first, we wondered if the wild ringnecks were migrating from the front yard. But they seemed to be content to stay put munching on the sunflower block we’d hung up in the bottlebrushes.

That left us with two choices: A). Rotto the Rotten B). Chilli the Red Stealer

One day, I walked out the back to find the pot empty. No longer content with sprouts here and there, the basil thief had nabbed the entire plant. A few more steps into the backyard and around the side of the house, I found Rotto. He was feeling rather pleased with his bounty.

Thanks for reading, Sandi xx

Sandi Parsons is an award-winning school librarian with over 20 years experience working in educational libraries. She lives with her favorite husband and two problem puppies. She dabbles in the art of photography.

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More six word photo stories from Sandi:

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Basil

“Who ate the basil?” “Caught him!”

An Imposter in the Clouds

September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Clouds