Pics from other people

I must be gaining a reputation... I've noticed that people have a tendency to talk to me about their gardens, which is just fine with me. I was chatting with someone about scheduling an interview for a story and we veered off into the subject of gardening. Duh! How can you not veer off into the subject of gardening when you're trying to schedule an interview?

She asked me if I'd ever grown artichokes and said she'd send a photo of the ones she grew.  Isn't that beautiful? I think she said she should have picked it before it bloomed, but it's worth planting in the yard for looks even if you don't have time to pick it for the taste. 

Here's the other photo: 

If I had more sunshine in my yard, I might be tempted to try and grow one, but since I have more shade than sun, heat-loving plants like tomatoes, melons and peppers get the prime sun positions.  These are quite pretty. 

Thanks to Deborah Thomas with Illumination Designs for sharing the photos with me!