07.23.07 ARTICHOKE THISTLE

We planted cardoons, Cynara cardunculus, several years ago. We never got around to taking the time to blanch and eat the stems, so we transplanted them to the flower garden where they continue to thrive and please us with their prickly form and banner-like blossoms.

06.18.07 FRIEND AND FOE

More color appears in the pastures and along the roadsides as the thistles, Cirsium genus, begin to bloom bright purple. A very attractive flower in shape and color, it is a noxious weed to farmers. It survives cutting and must be dug out by the root. We all know it as the national symbol of Scotland, Wikipedia reports that it achieved this status because of the favor it gave the Scottish people. A soldier in an invading army purportedly stepped on one, howled, and alerted the Scots who successfully repelled the interlopers.