Tonight we collected artichoke seeds.
The beautiful blooms that provided us with food in the spring, and became a bee's playground in the early summer are now beautiful dried flower heads.
With something so beautiful I'm ashamed to admit how I harvested the seeds. I literally took the dried flowers and bashed them against the sidewalk. Don't judge me! These suckers aren't exactly friendly! They are
pokey! I bashed, and kiddo used her magical little fingers to pick up the seeds as we went. A single flower produced at least a thousand seeds. Half went into my pile, half went into hers (payment, for her efforts). I have no idea where she put them all, but I'm sure I'll find out someday. In the meantime the flower head kept sending off pieces of "snow" (well, according to my daughter). So then what did we do?
Well, SHE danced. It was like blowing dandelions in the wind without the fear of future weeds as we plucked each and every seed before it had a chance to sail across the yard. Some of the simplest things can be so magical to a kid, and I LOVED that she enjoyed it so much.
At the end we were left with a pile of seeds (and another pile worth randomly place in the yard thanks to her). We also ended up with the worlds fanciest hat that just so happens to have the look and feel of fur without the glare from PETA.
Anyone need any?
Tonight we collected artichoke seeds.
The beautiful blooms that provided us with food in the spring, and became a bee's playground in the early summer are now beautiful dried flower heads.
With something so beautiful I'm ashamed to admit how I harvested the seeds. I literally took the dried flowers and bashed them against the sidewalk. Don't judge me! These suckers aren't exactly friendly! They are pokey! I bashed, and kiddo used her magical little fingers to pick up the seeds as we went. A single flower produced at least a thousand seeds. Half went into my pile, half went into hers (payment, for her efforts). I have no idea where she put them all, but I'm sure I'll find out someday. In the meantime the flower head kept sending off pieces of "snow" (well, according to my daughter). So then what did we do?
Well, SHE danced. It was like blowing dandelions in the wind without the fear of future weeds as we plucked each and every seed before it had a chance to sail across the yard. Some of the simplest things can be so magical to a kid, and I LOVED that she enjoyed it so much.
At the end we were left with a pile of seeds (and another pile worth randomly place in the yard thanks to her). We also ended up with the worlds fanciest hat that just so happens to have the look and feel of fur without the glare from PETA.
Anyone need any? 
Actually, I would LOVE a few!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing set of life experiences you are giving to your children through the garden. So much fun to be had!
Wonderful information and feel good observations. Farm girls rock!
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LOVE the pics! Very cool indeed. Love the "hat" too - so pretty. And of course I'd take some seeds. :-)
ReplyDeleteoh that is SO cool!!! thanks for all the great photos and all the wonderful information! and here I just thought artichokes were yummy with melted butter and garlic! lol!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. The dancing photos made me feel all warm and ethereal. Kids have an amazing way of fully entering the moment, without inhibitions. Little zen teachers.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.Thanks for sharing such a useful information with us.
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