:: cynara scolymus ::

 I think we are now in the tail-end of the golden weather before the cold sets in - an incredible 30 degrees at our place most of today (and yesterday, too).  We are soaking up all that loveliness and watching all the Summery plants finishing up their cycles. 

These beautiful artichokes - the 'purple de jesi' kind have been 'giving' since planting in Spring.

I've put them in as a perennial edible that's beautiful and gives shelter (or will, eventually!) to other plants along the South-western part of our front garden. 

In this, their first year, we've not eaten from them yet - just felt to let them grow through the whole season to seed stage - and what a reward it is to see this truly stunning plant in flower. 

Thank you, artichokes, for your generosity!