A couple of fruit and nut cases

Actually, not a thistle, nor even an artichoke; it's a cardoon. I grew it from seed many years ago, and it returns faithfully every year. This year it only has one flower, but in some years it has quite a number. Once I cut a few for the house. That's a lesson I learnt quickly - they smell awful!
A garden blip today because I've been out for lunch with a couple of dear friends and didn't get round to a walk. Tomorrow, we're doing the next leg of the Cuckoo Way from Kiveton Park to Worksop.

Apologies to those who commented on the Cardoon shot, but something came up in my garden tonight so I changed my blip - I won't make a habit of this, but soooo excited!!!