This “scotch thistle” (onopordum acanthium) was probably not planted deliberately but is quite a sight! They are said to top 2.5 metres if well fed….but this one has managed quite well without tlc! Elsewhere we have been waging war on creeping thistles pulling them out before they set seed, while leaving the more showy and less invasive ones (spear thistles) on our wild flower bank.
It was a hot day, but huge amounts got done right across the Gardens; the stonemasons continued their work restoring the steps into the Italian Garden; and the honey bees were busy on the lavender (and a hummingbird hawk moth).
