Editor:
This year I grew three Onopordum acanthium plants in the boulevard in front of my home. They are often known as Scotch thistles, although they are more likely to be found in south Russia than Scotland. They were statuesque, two meters tall, grey-white plants with purple flowers that attract bees. All three plants have largely disappeared.
Through your pages, I would like to offer some suggestions to the person/s who took them.
1. "Acanthium" refers to the sharp spines. Handle with care, maybe use gauntlets.
2. If taken for seed be sure to plant where you want them to grow. They are biennials with long tap roots, difficult to transplant.
3. Enjoy the purple flowers while they last. They are also excellent candidates for dry flower arrangements.
David Tamblin, New Westminster
