The Paddock Lal Lal wins gold for Aussie grown garlic

Garlic growing newbies Melissa Mortimer and Sean Plescher have cemented their produce among the best in the nation.

Garlic growing newbies Melissa Mortimer and Sean Plescher, owners of The Paddock Lal Lal, have cemented their produce among the best in the nation, winning gold at the 2025 Australian Garlic Awards.

The self-confessed “accidental farmers” made a tree-change to Lal Lal, near Ballarat, four years ago and started growing garlic during the Covid period when consumers became highly conscious of where their produce was coming from.

More than 70 per cent of garlic sold in Australia is from China, and Melissa and Sean want to help turn that around.

“We don’t aspire to large-scale commercial production as we want to supply garlic grown following chemical-free practises, incorporating crop rotation, natural fertilisers and herbicides,” Melissa said.

“But we aspire to grow high quality, fresh Australian garlic and help contribute to the rebuilding of the local garlic industry.”

Garlic grower Melissa Mortimer is aiming to help rebuild Australia’s garlic industry. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Melissa and Sean currently produce 250kg of garlic sold online and at farmers markets in the Ballarat and Geelong areas. They hope to double production within the next five years.

Their Turban garlic variety Master Jack stood out in the awards competition, impressing judges with its taste, consistency and overall presentation.

The Paddock Lal Lal was one of nine producers awarded the top gong from entrants around Australia.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition,” Melissa said.

“Growing garlic is both an art and a science, and this award is a testament to the hard work and passion we put into every bulb.”

The judging panel made assessments based on uniformity, internal and external quality, aroma, flavour and overall quality.