I grew artichokes at the Scottsdale Community Garden several years
ago with great luck so when I moved to Cottonwood, I decided to try
again. I planted them in 4 very large containers (because I don't
bend very well anymore) & they are producing extremely well. One
plant has 19 chokes on it! I just keep cutting & the side flowers
just keep getting bigger! Has anyone frozen them? I can't eat fast
enough.

You are having great success with your artichokes in containers! I
have never frozen them, but according to the California Artichoke
Advisory Board, it is possible. They provide two methods on their
website, http://artichokes.org. However, they still need to be
blanched before freezing. Click on Recipes & Such, then click on
Freezing Artichokes.

Are you crazy! just look at what the artichoke (which I LOVE to eat)
has done to the hilsides of Orange County.  These are invasive and
nearly impossible to eradicate.  Deep root systems spread without
any warning and Boom.. another hillside is invaded.... Watch out
what you recommend.. you may get more than you aimed for.

I appreciate your input because invasive plants are indeed a huge
problem. In the region I write for, the Southwestern Deserts,
invasives are changing the ecosystem, making it vulnerable to
wildfire that natives such as saguaro cacti have not adapted to. I
checked with the University of Arizona's invasive weeds expert and
Cynara scolymus, the edible globe artichoke, is not escaping into
the wild or considered a problem plant for watch lists in Arizona at
this time. Invasive Non-Native Plants That Threaten Wildlands in
Arizona is a comprehensive list that can be downloaded from
http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/research/projects/swepic/SWVMA/2B_AboutList.
asp.

Orange County, which you mention is in Southern California's Coastal
& Inland Valley's gardening region, which does list a related plant,
Cynara cardunculus, artichoke thistle, on its noxious weed list
(http://www.cal-ipc.org/). Many plants with thistle-type flowers,
such as the Cynara, are noxious invaders around the country,
including the Southwest. In addition, the edible globe artichoke is
considered a weed threat is some California areas, especially
disturbed coastal range land. (It doesn't seem to be a true hot
and/or arid desert survivor). Santa Barbara County has a weed alert
at http://www.countyofsb.org/agcomm/wma/AT.htm that says: "Artichoke
thistle is the wild form of the cultivated globe artichoke, Cynara
scolymus . When grown from divisions of the perennial crown, globe
artichoke will reliably produce the spineless, edible flowerhead and
plant known to agriculture, but grown from seed it often reverts to
a wild form, producing the inch-long spines on the phyllaries
normally found on C.cardunculus. Gardeners are strongly encouraged
to not allow globe artichokes in their garden to flower and set seed
or to abandon their artichoke gardens." 

A gardener can check with their County Cooperative Extension, native
plant societies or state agriculture offices for the latest
information on invasive plants in their locale. They often have info
on plants that have not yet been listed on regulated noxious weed
lists.

What meathod do you use to dry the artichoke flowers?

I let them dry naturally on the plant, but not too long, as they
lose some of their color. You can also let them start to dry, then
cut them and finish drying in a cool, shady place.

Do you hang the artichokes upside down to dry?

I just put them upright in a vase that allowed plenty of room. If
you already have a drying area set-up for hanging upside down, no
reason that wouldn't work!