Day of the Artichokes

The invasion begins - the artichokes are taking over the allotment - and possibly the campus. They will start walking on their roots and communicating with each other. They will beckon to the peas and broad beans and recruit them. What about the onions? The artichokes will dig deep and haul out the potatoes forcing them to join them. Will the garlic resist or gather up the spinach to show support? Will the cabbages be abandoned - half eaten by marauding slugs? Who can survive the Day of the Artichokes? Where will it end?

Simmering in a large saucepan of salty water (the artichokes, that is) and then served with a dipping sauce of butter melted with anchovies, heaps of black pepper and a good squidge of lemon juice and a glass of chilled dry white wine - preferably oaky.