bloomin' artichoke

This is what happens when one does not pick an artichoke in time to eat.  It blooms, but it is so very, very pretty.  I kind of wish I had a garden full of bloomin' artichokes.
Our garden is dismal this year.  I was just not in the gardening spirit like I should have been.  Our fruit trees, on the other hand, have been doing well (thanks to Wes).  I can't wait for our oranges to ripen!