The thread, "Puzzle: Where is the other dollar?" got me to thinking about how much I enjoy such puzzles. While most puzzles have at some point made their way into print, I suspect quite a few were passed on in true folk tradition. For instance, I learned "The fox, the goose and the grain" puzzle from my father and that many years passed before I ever saw it in print. I wonder if you folks can think of any that you learned by way of mouth.

My very favorite one was told to me by a co-worker many years ago when we both were trying to stay awake during a night shift. I once told it to a patient of mine who was temporarily paralyzed from the neck down and needed something to do. This one kept her occupied for nearly a week.

Oh, but before I tell it to you and before others add theirs, there is a rule of puzzle etiquitte: If you already know the solution to the puzzle, please keep it to yourself. If you think you have figured it out on your own, feel free to post.

The Gardener

The gardener was summoned by the owner of a fine estate. The owner told the gardener that ten new shrubs had been purchased and needed planting. He then explained exactly what he had in mind.

"I want you to plant all ten shrubs. You are to plant only five shrubs per row and there are to be exactly five rows."

The gardener hesitated for a moment. Then a smile lit his face and he said, "I'll have them in the ground just as you describe, sir, no later than sundown."

How did the gardener keep his word?