Nothing says old school Italian garden like a strand of braided garlic or onions. They have that wonderfully rustic, yet artistic look. For the Italian gardener, braiding is probably not done for the artistic quality as much as the simple, utilitarian purpose of a space saving, practical way to dry and to prepare garlic or onions for long term storage.

But now we see strands of garlic and onions braided for their decorative appeal. I’ve even seen our local supermarket sell them to be given as gifts. But to an Italian gardener, braiding strands is just what you do after harvesting, at least with most varieties of onions and soft neck garlic.