Gardening

[hollins]

It's delphinium week. I bought these plants a few years ago from the RHS garden at Harlow Carr for the cut flower garden but I am going to need a big vase for these. They are 7 feet tall and seem to come up bigger and stronger each year.

[Yorkie]

They are 7 feet tall and seem to come up bigger and stronger each year.

Bit like each succeeding generation of children!   

[Merddin Emrys]

They look wonderful!

[Nemesis]

I have grown these for years, but this year they are amazing-- at dusk they almost glow. Trouble is they are taking over !
Oenothera biennis -- Evening Primrose.
If any one wants seeds let me know, I shall have hundreds.

[hollins]

We have a late flowering rhododendron blooming at the moment.

[hollins]

I'm in sweet pea heaven!

[Merddin Emrys]

They look great! One day I might grow some again!

[Yorkie]

Just picked my first crop of Runner Beans, but looks like there are plenty more to come.

[Gwynant]

        I pass this plant/flower/vegetable every morning in a front garden on my way to the local paper shop and have often wondered what it is. I have been told that it is some sort of artichoke but I am sure some of the gardening experts on the Forum will confirm or correct that. The first photo was taken about 3 or 4 weeks ago and the other 2  were taken this week.

[hollins]

Hi Gwynant. they are called cardoons.

[Gwynant]

        Thank you for your info. Hollins. Are they flowers or vegetables and are they related to the artichoke family in any way? A neighbour said that the insides could  be eaten if they were removed before the plant flowered, (or he was winding me up!).

[hollins]

Yes, I think they are related to the artichoke but with this type I think it is the stems that are more edible. Here is an article with a recipe but it sounds like hard work to me!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/10816050/Bring-back-the-great-cardoon.html


http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/248.shtml

[Nemesis]

Clarissa Dixon Wright liked them if I remember correctly . Once saw her cook them on 'Two Fat Ladies', but can't remember what she did !

[Hugo]

Most of my Nasturtions were covered in Black Fly and the leaves were turning yellow so they had to go.   It's a shame really because they are so easy to grow and provide a lot of colour.

[Yorkie]

You're sure that the handsome fellow who is looking so innocent, didn't have something to do with it?