Echinops...

...close to opening, mixed up with the deep red Alliums that are also close to opening.

Today was supposed to be the best day of the week so we had a barbecue.  Rather windy so lots of smoke.  Luckily it was blowing away from the lavender/bees/butterflies.  And our barbecue has a lid, so no temptation for marauding Red Kites.