She had stolen the seed pod from Kew, years ago, when “borrowing” was still considered acceptable.

Cossetting it, encouraging it, keeping it safe. It took such effort. Gardening was her solace.

He picked the best stems, laid them on the coffin, and then, afterwards, poured bleach carefully over her plant.

Janet, who grew up near Detroit, now lives in Edinburgh and works for the newest Scottish university. She is a rubbish gardener.