Spring is in full swing here. We went from struggling to find a bug of the week, to having several to choose from.
Today the tiny caterpillar wins. Can you tell which end is the head? (It is the black dot, which is the head capsule).
The bud it is sitting on will turn into one of these:
Growing a passion vine is a great way to get to see caterpillars, beautiful gulf fritillary butterflies, and very unusual flowers.
 We went back to the garden for our mystery seeds this week.
They are often right out where you can see them.
Anyone recognize these seeds?
Edit: The answer is now posted.
Our multi-speckled mystery seeds from last week were from a globe artichoke, Cynara scolymus.
Originally from the Mediterranean region, artichokes are grown in warmer regions throughout the world. They are cultivated perennials that are related to wild thistles.
Mature artichokes can reach five feet tall and have large, lobed leaves.
The leaves are silvery white, giving artichokes the potential to be interesting accent plants in the landscape.
Of course, most people grow them in the vegetable garden for their edible flower buds.
Most of the artichokes in the United States are grown in California. If you have never seen them growing, take a look at this video from a commercial artichoke farm.
Have you ever seen an artichoke flower? If the bud is allowed to mature, it opens into a stunning purple beauty.
(Photograph graciously provided by Forest & Kim Starr)
If properly cared for, the flowers will produce seeds.
Artichokes can be grown either from seeds or from plant divisions or cuttings.
Although they are frost sensitive, some varieties of artichokes can be grown in colder areas, especially with protection in the winter. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Thomas Jefferson grew artichokes in his gardens at Monticello in Virginia way back in 1767!
Have you ever grown artichokes?
For more information, see Roberta Gibson Writes.
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