It finally happened.  I grew this plant from seed last year.  It did not make any artichokes.  This year it multiplied and has all these little blossoms tucked in the foliage.  It is going to be beautiful when they start sprouting out.  I noticed a good bit of ants/ladybugs.  I think that the ants are farming aphids on it.  It is covered in Lady bug porn.  Yes, Abby they are giving each other piggy back rides.... (kidding)  I told her the ladybug sex  truth... sigh  So I will not be using any type of organic spray.  Nature is taking care of itself.  I am starting to get why they call sex the birds and the bees.  Working with nature and teaching your children about gardening requires lots of those chats, worms, bees, chickens.. you get the picture.