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Euryale ferox, commonly called prickly water lily or fox nut, is one of the world's most remarkable aquatic plants. Native to eastern and southern Asia, it produces enormous circular leaves that can exceed 4 feet across. Unlike the smooth pads of most water lilies, both the upper and lower surfaces of its leaves are armed with sharp spines that help deter hungry fish and other herbivores. During summer, striking violet-purple flowers emerge just above the water before developing into spiny fruits filled with edible seeds. Known as makhana or fox nuts, these seeds have been harvested for centuries in India and China, where they are popped like popcorn or used in traditional cuisine and medicine. 

Lantana  (Luscious® Bananarama) produces bold clusters of bright yellow flowers that resemble miniature bouquets, holding their color even in intense sun and heat. Each bloom is made up of small, tubular florets arranged in dense, rounded umbels, that create a vibrant display from spring through fall. Training on this bonsai began in 2018, and this particular cultivar has proven especially well-suited to the art of bonsai thanks to its woody stems, small leaves, and strong response to pruning. Its continuous blooming habit adds seasonal interest, while the compact floral clusters bring both structure and charm. Like other lantanas, it also supports pollinators, especially butterflies, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.