This year I was finally successful at getting some artichokes to make it through the winter and bud. They take 180-360 days to produce. It was more work than it was worth, so I doubt I'll try to grow them again in the future. They grow like weeds in Phoenix or California, but I think we're a little to cold here.
These poppies grew as tall as Elijah. They were volunteers from the previous year. I collected a baggy full of seed from them. I spread them along some of the bike trails.
The city uses them along some of the roads. I believe the seed has freeze before it will germinate. I used this patch for compost after they finished bloomimg. They are pretty easy to control, so you don't have to worry about them taking over.
We got lots of iris.