Artichokes

[Candace]

I've grown artichokes for several years. We like them, although they are work to eat. But, I actually enjoy letting them go to flower rather than picking and eating. They aren't recognized as much of a landscape plant, but they are gorgeous when in bloom. This plant is actually a volunteer from last year. The mother plant is located on one end of my G.h and the wind must have blown some seed about 8 ft. down along one side.

Here's a close-up of the flower. They're probably 7- 8 inches in diameter:

 

[TADD]

Wow I love to eat 'em... I didn't realize how pretty they could become!

 

[Marco]

cool looks like a sea anemone

 

[bwester]

wild, I just cant see that with melted cheese, spinach and chips

 

[Heather]

mmm....hollandaise.....


seriously though, I can totally see the thistle resemblance.

Will you cook, if I bring the rack of lamb?

 

[Candace]

I'd cook them, but I promise, you don't want to eat these:> Might be a bit tickly going down. Cough. I've been lazy this season and haven't made a one. They're great steamed with garlic butter or with olive oil on the BBQ. Best to cut them when they haven't started opening yet as the earwigs set up house pretty fast.

 

[smartie2000]

Beautiful! the green parts remind me of a lotus bloom

 

[NYEric]

Suprisingly pretty.