The acanthus mollis (bear’s breeches) is now pretty much in full bloom. At about 5 foot / 150cm it’s not quite as tall as sometimes, but I think that this year’s four flower-spikes is the most I’ve had, an this year’s spikes may grow another few inches yet. A rather impractical plant, really – the enormous leaves try hard to take over my tiny patio, and act as shelter for every possible variety of slug and snail. However, I wouldn’t feel that the garden was complete without it!
