Gone to Flower

I don't often eat whole Artichokes- too much work! I do love Artichoke hearts in salads. I live very near the Artichoke capitol of the world, but never really paid much attention to their growning season, or how they look while growing. While out for an evening walk this summer I spied this beauty. I had no idea the Artichoke if left to grow would turn this lovely shade of violet and produce such a nice flower.Not bad for a thistle.