Verbena, Brazilian verbena, Purple top, Verbena bonariensis in front of a wall of stacked cut logs. Part of Wild in the City garden designed by Charlotte Murrell, Hampton Court flower show 2011.

Scotland, Edinburgh, Princes Street gardens, artichoke flowers.

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, Artichoke thistle growing outdoor.

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, Blue coloured Artichoke thistle growing outdoor.

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus. One head in full flower and one opening. Flowers are tiny purple strands surrounded by stiff green purple calyxes.

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, A winter seedhead topped with melting snow turning into an icicle.

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, Seedhead with snow on it viewed from beneath.

Cardoon,Cynara cardunculus, Several stems of seedheads with snow and frost on them, against a pale blue sky.

Cardoon,Cynara cardunculus, Several stems of seedheads with snow and frost on them, against a pale blue sky.

Cardoon,Cynara cardunculus, close view of snow capped seedhead.