I don't know what this is but it's got an ant on it.

[TeAnne]

Hi all, here is your prodigal friend :D
We went to a winery today and I got some neat pics. I also saw this plant, it was gorgeous but I have no idea what it is.
#1.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/data/551/1887nikki_1505-med.jpg
#2.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/data/551/1887nikki_1504-med.jpg
#3.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/data/551/1887nikki_1503-med.jpg
#4.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/data/551/1887nikki_1506-med.jpg

Does anyone know what it could be?
Sorry, I havn't been around but I'm having so much fun with painting. (((((((((Group HUGZ))))))))))

[Crias]

I'm no plant expert...but this looks an a lot like an artichoke, though I've never seen one, so not sure if this is how they grow?

Cool looking plant and I LOVE artichokes.

[katcocat]

Fab plant Te, I don't know what it is though:D
Kate.

[pinkbubelz]

My guess is that it is an artichoke...
they are part of the thistle family.... :-)

Cool pictures!

--Iris

[Raindrop]

(((((Te Anne))))) Come back here! :D

Looks like an artichoke, yes. Ants love artichokes. Me too!

[Rose Queen]

The reason you artichoke lovers don't quite recognize these is because this is what artichokes look like when they've been allowed to go to bloom. They are, indeed, a member of the thistle family, which is really easy to see when they get to this stage. So the question really is, TeAnne, how come these weren't eaten? :D

[kaleidoscope eyes]

Originally posted by Rose Queen
So the question really is, TeAnne, how come these weren't eaten? :D

'Cos they're WAY too beautiful when they bloom :D I grow them and cardoon, never eat them just take lots of pix....
Great shots Te, and happy painting :)

[Allan Jameson]

Yep!....they be Artichokes.....only last week I threw 6 out that I had in a bowl on the dinning room table for weeks.

[jackddavis]

Artichokes and mayo.........one of my favorite treats. Are there other ways to eat them? I've heard of pickled, but never tried them that way.

[K-Tee]

don't know what it is, execpt that it's just gorgeous, must need new glasses took awhile to find the ant. Isn's nature awesome. Thanks for sharing.:D :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Rose Queen]

Originally posted by jackddavis Artichokes and mayo.........one of my favorite treats. Are there other ways to eat them?

I like them with melted butter, too, and they're great grilled on the barbeque with a spice rub!

[TeAnne]

Good morning everyone :)
Thanks for the replies. So an Artichokes it must be.
They were at the back of the winery near the grapevines, looks like they are let to grow wild. I wonder if it's to do with companion planting.

Thanks all, I have to go food shopping now, need to feed the starving artist. lol We havn't shopped for 2 weeks.
Cya soon :D

[SunnyJon]

Te-That thing is gorgeous! I don't eat 'em but I hear they are good dipped in a vinagraitte. Anyway I love the aqua color in the bg of #3-what is that? Great shots BTW! Allof them & I'm glad you are having fun painting! You know the Prodigal is always welcomed with open arms! :D :clap: :clap: :clap:

[LilKitten]

It's an artichoke, and the photographs are lovely. Your work is wonderful. Whoever has said photography isin't an art has never seen yours.

lilkitten the artichoke-liking kitten

[TeAnne]

Originally posted by LilKitten
It's an artichoke, and the photographs are lovely. Your work is wonderful. Whoever has said photography isin't an art has never seen yours.

lilkitten the artichoke-liking kitten

WOW lilkitten, thank you so much for this lovely comment. (((HUGZ)))

Thanks to Sunny. I don't think I've ever eaten one either. Also, I have been meaning to thank you for using one of the tinyheads I made :D I drew her with the mouse a long time ago :D

[gnu]

it's a GLOBE artichoke..my Mum grew em once..
aww not even a GREEN ant..I like green ants..'course I don't TOUCH em.!!!
I've tasted the artichokes in oil..nothing to write home about..a bit like snails..not a whole heap of flavour!!
at first I thought this was a sea-holly..turns out it's just a tad bigger :D:D:D neat colour...
whatcha painting? which forum?

[TeAnne]

Thanks Gill
I've never seen them grow before.

um sometimes oil forum (don't feel very welcome there though ) http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1852230#post1852230
and Internet Sales
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=153390

Above links are shameless plugs ya know! :evil:

[gnu]

Great!! shameless plugs were just what I was after!!:clap: :clap:

[Bobby D]

Brilliant photos Te but I also had no idea what they are, funny the things one learns at WC.

[TeAnne]

Originally posted by Bobby D
Brilliant photos Te but I also had no idea what they are, funny the things one learns at WC.

Thanks Bobby :) I know. What did we do without WC? :D