Does it have stalks on it? I like it when I find it like that... no, you just
use the bottom (bulb) part, same as you do with store-bought. I also like to buy braided ones. One year I went around trying to find them and realized that I never would use that much garlic in my lifetime anyway! ;o)
What part of NC are you in, Janet? I hear you're getting a lot of rain there these days.