Hampshire,
United Kingdom 
Two questions.
Does anyone know the name of this ornamental thistle?
Also this I believe is a member of the dandylion family but cant remember his name either. It does grow to about 5ft high. Insects love it and it has taken 3 years to flower as I had to move it to better position.
22 Jul, 2011
Answers
Just checked that one out and thats the one, thanks Beattie.
22 Jul, 2011
You're welcome. I hope someone can ID the first photo.
22 Jul, 2011
The first one looks almost like a form of Salvia carducea, but not quite. Still looking.
22 Jul, 2011
Previous question
Sorry I can't ID the first photo, but the second looks like Centaurea macrocephala. A shot of the leaves and a side view of the flower would help to confirm this.
22 Jul, 2011