On Monday I was pottering around inspecting the veggie patch and spotted our first artichoke flower ever, not just for the season. This is the first time we have planted artichoke. I have been inspecting the artichoke plants for flowers since we arrived home from our road trip last Wednesday.

These little guys are very good at hiding, and this one was the size of a small peach when I finally spotted it. There is also a tiny artichoke flower emerging next to it growing at its own pace. Now, how do you tell when they are ready to pick?