Celebrate National Garlic Day with the Paddock Lal Lal
                                                                                                                    National Garlic Day, celebrated on April 19th, honours one of the most beloved and versatile ingredients in kitchens worldwide. Whether roasted, minced, or sautéed, garlic brings bold flavour and a range of health benefits that make it a staple in many global cuisines.

Meet Melissa and Sean
Melissa and Sean, the passionate duo behind The Paddock Lal Lal, have been running their farm for two years. They are currently in their third season of growing and second season of selling their garlic. When they moved to their 23-acre property, they were determined to make the most of the land. 

Garlic in Australia..
During the COVID restrictions, they noticed supermarkets' limited choice and availability of Australian-grown garlic. With over 70% of garlic imported into Australia and treated to meet strict biosecurity measures, they saw an opportunity to provide a better alternative. 

Chinese garlic, in particular, is known for using chemicals that are banned in Australia. This results in garlic that lacks flavour and is bleached to achieve its spotlessly white colour.

Why Grow Garlic?
Melissa and Sean wanted to offer fresh, locally grown garlic that’s full of flavour, chemical-free, and supports the local food system. Their hard work and dedication paid off in 2025 when they won a gold medal for their garlic at the Australian Garlic Industry Association Awards.

Flowers & Dahlias...
In 2023, they expanded their farm to include dahlias and flowers, emphasizing a "grown, not flown" approach to reduce their impact on flower air miles. Unlike many supermarket blooms that travel long distances, their flowers are locally grown and freshly picked. 

Why Farmers Markets?
Being part of farmers' markets allows Melissa and Sean to connect directly with customers, educate people about quality Australian garlic and dahlias, and share their passion for sustainable farming. 

The Victorian Farmers' Markets Association (VFMA) supports small-scale Victorian farmers like them, ensuring people can access fresh, locally grown food and flowers. Melissa and Sean love being part of this network and the sense of community it brings.

Favourite Product?
One of their favourite products is their garlic braids. These beautiful braids look stunning hanging in a kitchen, keep garlic fresh for months, and make great gifts. They showcase the traditional skill of garlic braiding, which Melissa and Sean love to teach in their workshops.

The Paddock Lal Lal trades at the Clunes Market and plans to attend more farmers' markets across Victoria. They are particularly excited to be part of markets where customers appreciate local produce.

Collaboration
Collaboration is also a key part of their business. They work with other local farmers and producers to create seasonal offerings, such as partnering with the Mount Buninyong Winery for garlic braiding and flower bar workshops. Supporting other small producers strengthens their community and provides customers with unique, locally made products.

Join Melissa and Sean in celebrating National Garlic Day and support local farmers by visiting your nearest VFMA Accredited Farmers market!

You can also check out all the news from The Paddock Lal Lal on their socials: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaddocklalal
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://thepaddocklallal.com.au