Cosmos and friends

More from RHS Harlow Carr Gardens near Harrogate: I think the big white flowers above are Cosmos. One of them was providing a lovely hammock for a pretty pale green butterfly, which may have been a green-veined white? The pink flower below is a Cosmos too. They were growing in an exuberant planting of mixed annuals, which seemed to have both wild and cultivated species.

Sunflowers are always a joy and I liked this variety with two-toned petals.

Another plant that makes a bold statement is Acanthus spinosus, commonly known as bear's breeches. It's wonderfully sculptural with its long spikes of hooded purple and white flowers. 

 The vegetable garden holds some beauties too, like this showy globe artichoke.

Apples are ripening and starting to blush red. Nature's bounty, so wonderful and we should never take it for granted.