Exploding Artichokes are a Wonder!

Notice the small seed near the penny

Last week I noticed something odd on the workbench in my garden shed. There were these fluffy ‘things’ with a seed on the end. They reminded me of a dandelion when it has gone to seed and the seeds take flight. But these were much larger, yet they danced lightly on the surface of the table when the air moved as I passed by. I look around to see where they came from – and I saw it! The artichoke I was drying on the table top was exploding with these seeds.

Articoke flowering

Disappointment was the first reaction – I was drying them so I could keep them around for a while. The pretty purple flower that emerges from the tight flower bud we usually eat was lovely. My neighbor told me I could dry them and use them in flower arrangements. I was dismayed when it started to fall apart and send its seed into the wild.

But then I thought - COOL - this is the full cycle of the artichoke plant. What a wonder to see it go from the small transplant that was planted in my garden last October to these tiny seeds that become airborne with the lightest breeze.

I have been amazed time and time again this year as I have allowed several plants to mature through their full cycle and not just pull them out because I had eaten them.

Artichoke plant before the bloom

This is yet another chapter in the journey my garden leads me through. I have enjoyed saving the seeds of the plants this year and will continue to do so, keeping those that do well in my yard/garden and composting the rest.

I took a trip up to Cornville, AZ last month to meet with one of the greats in seed saving, Bill McDorman, founder of Seeds Trust, a 25 year–old family seed company. I had a lovely tour of their gardens and their seed workshop where they lovingly and carefully package the seeds. I am excited about their upcoming 8-day Seed School. Whether you just purchase seeds from Bill, or register for the Seed School, I know you will be humbled by the wonder of seeds. I may never buy a transplant again!