Plants have long been a source of wonder and inspiration, with their ability to grow, bloom, and thrive seemingly through some form of magic. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, the winding trails of creeping vines, or the simple miracle of food growing from the earth, plants have captivated our imaginations. While real-life sorcerers may not exist, many gardeners possess their own kind of magic—creating life with just water, soil, and a little care. Below are five stories that explore the surprising magic and power of plants, gardens, and the people who tend to them.
“Garden of the Gods” by Anna Madden
In this story, our narrator is a sphinx bound to a garden where she tests mortals who seek her riddles. Those who fail are marked in her ledger. Tired of her role, she dreads the arrival of the next challenger. When a man of no special significance arrives, she expects him to be no different. But instead of trying to answer her riddles, he asks questions of his own—questions that make the sphinx question her purpose and the nature of her bondage. This is a quiet, reflective tale about purpose, duty, and the search for freedom.
“The Gangs of Gnome Jersey” by A.E. Decker
Chris, the world’s only supernatural hitman, comes home to find his beautiful garden ruined by a garden gnome—one of the tacky, mass-produced types. He dismisses it as a prank from a neighbor, but soon the gnome, named Petey, is joined by more of his kind. As more gnomes appear, Chris grows frustrated. Who would go through so much trouble for a prank? But when the gnomes offer him an unexpected answer, Chris is forced to reconsider what’s really happening in his garden. This lighthearted tale explores humor and mystery with a supernatural twist.
“Green Thumb” by Jill Baguchinsky
Olivia and Emily are surviving in a world ravaged by a deadly pandemic that has transformed plants into dangerous, mutated versions of themselves. The two women are among the few left alive, but their lives are precarious. Fortunately, the oranges from a nearby grove remain safe to eat—though harvesting them requires careful planning and great risk. During one of these risky excursions, Emily brings home a strange, harmless succulent. Despite the danger, Emily is convinced this plant is different. It doesn’t seem dangerous, and she believes it might even be safe. But keeping it a secret from Olivia will prove harder than she expected. This tense, suspenseful story is a tale of survival, trust, and the unexpected power of plants.
“Growing Resistance” by Juliet Kemp
In a city sealed off by walls originally built to keep out a plague, Oak tends to a small garden on the outside, providing food and medicine to those in need. The wall now keeps out not just disease, but also those who couldn’t afford the vaccine—people who live in poverty and are left to fight for survival. Oak’s small acts of rebellion and care support a resistance group that aims to draw attention to the plight of those shut out. But Oak is haunted by guilt and trauma, unsure if his small acts can truly make a difference. When a new opportunity arises, Oak must decide whether he’s ready to take the next step. This is a poignant story about resilience, resistance, and the power of care.
“Blood, Bone, and Water” by Ash Huang
This story begins like a classic fairy tale, with knights attempting to defeat a rose bush that is said to cover a castle filled with riches. However, as the story unfolds, it shifts through time and perspective, challenging the reader’s perception of nature and its role in our world. Huang plays with chronology and structure to create a thought-provoking narrative that forces us to reconsider how we interact with the natural world and its deeper mysteries.
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