Ocimum labiatum

Ocimum labiatum is a fast-growing, many branched, semi-deciduous shrub with aromatic heart-shaped leaves. It is a very popular garden plant as it is hardy to a moderate degree of frost and extreme drought, once established. The plant may be cut back to one-third of its height every couple of years to rejuvenate the woody growth.

Odontoglossum sp.

Odontoglossum sp. is a small evergreen shrub growing 2-5ft tall, and is native to South America. The orchid is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants such as tree trunks or branches. It requires regular watering as long as it is not kept in a place that stays soggy. Odontoglossum sp. has clusters of waxy, fragrant flowers in an array of colors, including pink, white and off-white, blue, lavender, purple, and even unusual colors such as red, crimson, and vinous and yellow, orange.

If you're looking to grow Odontoglossum sp. in a pot, it is suitable for USDA Zone 9-11 and prefers a semi-shaded spot. It requires regular watering and adequate fertilizer. For cold climates, it is better to keep your potted Odontoglossum indoors during the winter months. To protect from frost damage, make sure that the container has drainage holes and is large enough to accommodate growth. Place in a bright location in your house, away from direct sunlight, and ensure that it does not stay in a place that is too cold for too long, as this may damage the plant. Additionally, potting mix should be kept moist, but not soaking wet. For best results, water once every few days to keep the soil moist.

Olearia phlogopappa

Olearia phlogopappa is a hardy shrub for well drained, moist soils in full sun or semi shade and can be very spectacular in flower. The greyish green foliage is variable over the range of the species but leaves are typically oblong or narrow elliptical in shape, and often with a dusty appearance on the upper surface. The well-displayed, daisy flower heads may be white, pink or mauve.

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Herbaceous perennial that forms tufted mounds; similar in appearance to Liriope, but the attraction here is the black foliage. Flowers are lavender, blue, pink or whitish; seed-bearing fruits are black.

Grow this novelty as a grasslike groundcover, for border edging, in a rock garden or in containers.

Full sun to partial shade is recommended, but part shade is probably the best place for it to hold its unique coloring. Soils should be kept moist and be of a sandy or loamy composition. An acidic or neutral soil pH is best.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.

Ormosia monosperma, Sophora monosperma

Ormosia monosperma - small tree having large oblong pointed leaflets and panicles of purple flowers; seeds are black or scarlet with black spots. Ormosia seeds are often used for jewelry and other decorative purposes, or as good luck charms. The seeds float and are occasionally found as "sea beans".