I walked in to a vegetable patch recently that definitely appeared positively carnivorous. The vegetables were so healthy and aggressive they could eat me.

I took a little detour to visit historic Jimbour Homestead, (on the Darling Downs, Qld) http://www.jimbour.com/  and walked in to their heritage designed vegetable plot.  It has to be Heritage Design to conform with the wonderful old homestead but in spite of this restriction the growth on the plants is spectacular. The garden is spray and artificial fertiliser free, but the extraordinary growth can probably be attributed to great soil to start with (This is some of the best soil on the downs) and lots and lots of free organics from the bull paddock, since Jimbour is also a working cattle property.

The gardeners have also become really excited about different vegetables and  have at least four varieties of kale for example all growing together and looking amazingly decorative.

One of the most ornamental of the plants had to be the artichoke and this plant is a silver, grey architectural perennial that would look amazing in a pot, or in any spot in the garden, even if it didn’t have the advantage of also growing food.

For information on how to grow and eat artichokes, I will be following this site as soon as I can lay my hands on some plants. http://www.vegetablegardener.com/item/4796/how-to-grow-artichokes/page/all

If you are holidaying in Queensland, then be sure to come as far west as Jimbour and visit one of our most historic, (after all Leichhardt left from here on his expeditions), beautiful and now culinary (ily?) exciting spots.  It is well worth your time.