Unusual Vegetables and Flowers in My Garden: A Showcase of Exotic Plants

Every year, my vegetable garden in Zone 8a of Fayetteville, North Carolina, surprises me with unique and interesting plants. This year, I've decided to experiment with some lesser-known vegetables and an array of exotic flowers. Let's delve into the weeds and discover the weirdest additions to my garden.

Exotic Vegetables

Sesame Seed Plants (Sesamum indicum)

One of my offerings this year was a sesame seed plant. I was initially unconcerned about whether the wild birds would appreciate it, but I learned that sesame plants are quite ornamental and occasionally provide a fragrant treat for the birds.

The sesame plants look like a strange cross between evening primrose and oleander. These plants are quite unique and add an interesting touch to the garden. As the season progresses, I will continue to monitor their growth and see how they fare.

Henna Plants (Lawsonia inermis)

Another unusual addition to my garden was the henna plant. It requires some special handling as the seeds need to be frozen for four days to ensure successful sprouting. Henna is known for its exotic appearance, with leaves resembling a hybrid between eucalyptus and other ornamental plants.

South Sea Salad Tree (Abelmoschus manihot)

The highlight of my garden this year is the South Sea Salad Tree. This tropical cousin of okra is a true marvel. All parts of the plant are edible, and it can reach impressive heights of up to fifteen feet in just one season. This year, I have one specimen in a 15-inch pot that overwintered barely. As the weather warms, it is just starting to leaf out, showing the promise of a vibrant growing season.

Maradol Papaya (Carica papaya)

Despite the late cold season, I managed to successfully grow a Maradol papaya plant. Papayas are delicate, and most of the specimens I started last year succumbed to root rot during the cold months. However, this one plant has persevered and is ready to be transplanted into the garden shortly.

Spicing up the Garden with Chili Plants

While I am enjoying the exotic vegetables, my garden also boasts a touch of spice with the addition of chili plants. Specifically, I have a cayenne plant that I am growing in my small garden space. It's the real deal - a fresh chili picked right from the plant. These peppers add a delightful kick to dishes such as Tahu Sumedang, a popular Indonesian fried tofu dish.

A Focus on Lilies

This year, I've expanded my lily collection. Three years ago, I purchased a set of lilies - three orange, two red, and one white - from a local garden center. While the white lilies did not fare well out in the front garden, the others flourished and multiplied.

This year, I've planted several more unusual lilies in different pots. The three orange and two red lilies still thrive and look stunning. The whites have remained in the back garden, where they fare better in the cooler conditions.

Other Exotic and Ornamental Plants

My garden is not just limited to vegetables and flowers. I have a diverse collection of exotic plants, including:

A eucalyptus that stands solemnly in the background, providing a striking visual element. A paulownia tree that adds a touch of elegance with its large leaves. A cordyline australis that almost looks like a palm, though it is not one. Edible rhubarb leaves that I harvest and use in my breakfast breakfast. A Japanese banana - Musa basjoo - that dies back to the ground each winter. Several species of Allium, including Allium schubertii, which, despite being tall, produces enormous flower heads. A hollyhock, Alcea rosea, that is thriving this year, with a black-flowered variety being particularly pleasing.

These diverse plants not only add color and interest to my garden but also provide a variety of textures and shapes for a dynamic and engaging outdoor environment.

Understanding how to care for these exotic plants is crucial for maintaining a thriving garden. I'm currently working on a book provisionally entitled “The Exotic Garden month-by-month” to share my accumulated knowledge with fellow garden enthusiasts. Feel free to reach out with any questions or gardening tips you might have. It's all good inspiration!