The house we rent in Connecticut has a lovely garden, but as renters, we don't decide what's planted there—especially this year, because our rental started in late June. I noticed a couple new plants that weren't that exciting, but then the thistles showed up.


I love the round ones; the spiky ones sort of freak me out, like they should be viewed under black light. They look like what a heavy metal fan would draw on his textbook covers. Neither, however, can compete with this strumpet. If you know what type of flower it is, please let me know. (Update: My mom says it's a hollyhock.)
