It is the only one which arrived in the garden this year. Anyone know what it is? Is it an Annual?

Yikes, Mike. I don't know what it is but unless you really really like it, I'd start cutting off those flower spikes before the plant or the birds spread the seeds around! Those long spikes all have a ton of seeds forming at the bottom.

It's big and lusty and looks like it's ready to try and take over. You could save the seed, and plant it again yourself if you find out what it is and really like it.

Up side is, if you cut off the older flowers it will keep making new ones longer . . . It IS kind of pretty.

Could it be some type of Physotegia? http://garden.org/plants/brows...

Could it be some type of Pokeweed? Flower stalk looks similar but is more upright than the kind that grows here.
I agree, cut off all the seed stalks and stay in control until you know what you have.

It's pokeweed, Phytolacca americana.

P.S. Physostegia spp. have opposite leaves, which is very distinctive. (This plant has alternate leaves.)

LOL, I was way off.

Perhaps Indian Poke (Phytolacca acinosa)

more images of P. acinosa showing fruit and flowers: https://www.google.com/search?...

Why P. acinosa?

LOL, it was just a guess. Don't mind me I missed the ID of Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

@growitall

Lori, if it weren't for you and JRsbugs (Janet) ... and a couple of others here on ATP, I know I'd be lost. Your knowledge and help are truly appreciated.

No problem... I was just wondering what particular characteristic you may have been referring to. (And thank you for the unnecessary compliment. )

Edit: And I'm sure no expert on pokeweed... it doesn't grow here! It's a Phytolacca sp., no question, though.

Lori, The compliment is well deserved! I admire your patience with me.