Oxypetalum - Heavenly Blue
The Oxypetalu Southern Star Heavenly Blue,'Oxpetalum caeruleum', displays a color rarely seen in flowers. The intense glacier blue 1 inch flowers are unlike anything you've ever seen. Even the buds are unique with their pale lavender color. The Southern Star also attracts hummingbirds. Heavenly Blue produces very decorative seed pods and they can be overwintered as a houseplant. They bloom mid summer to early fall. The Heavenly Blue prefers full sun and fairly rich garden soil. Deadheading the spent flowers before fruit set will prolong the bloom time. Plant after all danger of frost has passed. The Southern Star provides a most unusual cut flower. They also are great in patio containers or hanging baskets. ... additional info
Orach - Red - Burgundy The Orach Red Burgandy, 'Atriplex hortensis 'Burgandy', a stunning dark raspberry color that will stand out in any garden. Orach is an old kitchen garden vegetable grown by American settlers, deserves more attention. It has a mild flavor that does not get bitter when the plant bolts. Orach is used in salads, cooked like spinach, or used to stuff leaves. Plant in early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Successive plantings can be made every 3 weeks for continuous fresh greens. Orach prefers light, textured, fertile, moist, and well drained soil. The leaves taste better when the soil is kept evenly moist. The best and most tender leaves are the ones from the top of the plant and/or from young plants.
