What a Thing of Beauty is an Artichoke Flower

Six word Photo Story Challenge: Freestyle

Artichoke Flower is the Color Purple

I grow artichoke for its glorious flowers, not to eat its heart. The artichoke flower protects itself with fearsome thorny spikes surrounding its soft and delicate inner. Arrayed around the inner flower, the tips of the spiky leaves are brushed, rich, coppery gold.

The first bloom of the season always seems to be the best. Those that follow are like the chorus that surrounds the principal dancer. Lovely, but just not as good.

That first flower of the season holds its color for a few weeks if conditions are right. Then follows the inevitable slow decay and return to the earth. It is sad to see such beauty wither away, but nature has housekeeping to do.

Bumblebees love the artichoke flower’s soft fluffy center. Once the flower comes out, it is too late to eat its heart. It is past its best, but the bumblebee can still enjoy its velvety purpleness for a while longer.

With thanks to writer Mary Chang for the idea.