We have had several setbacks this year, but the artichoke plant weathers them all and has turned into a burly plant. The base of the stock is now more than 6 inches across. It’s almost 5 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It’s a monster. But it doesn’t stay that way on its own; I have to hose the bugs off every couple of days or they eat right through an entire branch. The main culprits have been earwigs and slugs. Despite all that, the plant is growing well now and has a few good looking artichokes starting. I’m excited to see how they will turn out.