These are the last photos from our walk around the garden on July 21st. We are at the top of the garden but did not follow the path all the way around the green. We kept to the right and meandered back to the car.
The garden was open and they had an extra volunteer.
Hulk put in an appearance and was getting ready to jump off the front of this garden vehicle. He gets around but he looked a bit grumpy. I think the heat was getting to him too. This guy needs a gallon of water! Yes, I am empathizing!
This pretty looks like a large thistle, called a Cardoon. Other names are Artichoke thistle, Globe artichoke, Prickly artichoke and Cardy, with a botanical name of Cynara cardunculus. Apparently its taste has an artichoke flavor, though slightly bitter. It has always been one of my favorites to photograph, in every stage.
The Cardoon was first brought to the United States by Spanish and French settlers in the middle of the 19th century.
Sicily is one of the few places where the stalks of certain types of thistles are consumed, and their dish is called carduna, which you can see here.
It seemed to be very popular with the bees, and both Gregg and I had fun taking several photos.
Many nutritional facts about Cardoon can be found here.
Native to eastern United States, it has spread around the world. A perfect flower for new gardeners as it is low maintenance and produces a mass of flowers in the second year. Since it has a weedy tendency, gardeners are advised to keep an eye on it to prevent it from becoming too overwhelming.
It is drought tolerant and erosion resistant. Super easy to take care of. The leaves of this coarse plant have been used by Native Americans to create both baskets and sandals. Monarch butterflies love the nectar from its flower, giving them nutrients to complete their yearly migration south.
I will leave you with one last photo from the garden from where we started, looking at the Sacred Lotus.
