Tree and shrubs have been discussed over the last several months, as they do and indeed are the foundation palette for garden designers.

However, when one delves into the lesser known candidates, which do not come under the title trees and shrubs, or if they do, have for reasons unknown been neglected, the creative juices can flow just as easily. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but certain plants can stand alone or in a group, and make a bold statement to and within their surroundings. Quirks of nature they may be considered, but quirks are by their very nature, interesting.

Euphorbia lactea (Candelabra Cacti) is as the name suggests, an inverted candelabra with chunky angular stems often striated, and tiny spines on the edges of the `branches'. It is rather majestic as a stand-alone specimen, and as a hedge is impenetrable. It is "evergreen" hardy, architecturally interesting, especially against a grey sky or an evening sunset, rather haunting, but with a delicate silhouette.

Euphorbias in general are an interesting group, with E. fulgens being of a totally different habit than E. lactea. It has a graceful arching habit, with conspicuous bracts draped along the branches; best planted in a slight shady position protected from wind. The Crown of thorns (Euphorbia splendens millii) has been around for many years, but new introductions have given the plant more interest. The low growing spreading types come in red or orange, whilst the upright more rigid type has a wider range of colours. Both are excellent for the shrub border, or as a no trespass sign!

Mother-in-laws-tongue, (Sanseveria trifasciata laurentii) is found growing `wild' in several areas but it is usually the green striated leaf type, whereas, the yellow and green leaf variety is more attractive and interesting as an accept plant.

It is a good candidate for those horrible little corners that seem to be created when contractors or designers do not seem to know what to do with an area. The young plants are formed from `toes' from the base of the parent plant, and if left develops into nice size clumps, which truly make a statement. The plant does tend to creep as it matures, but is ideal for an area that needs activity with control.

A smaller species of Sanseveria, S. Hahanii is a low growing type that forms a birds nest effect, and again is worthy of using in small cramped areas, as it is controllable.

Talking of birds nests, Asplenium nidus avis or birds nest fern, is a fun plant for a shady part of the garden. Its long pure green leaves give the effect of a birds nest, as it nestles in amongst other low growing neighbours.

When looking at the wild garden design, consider the several species of `flopper', there is the larger Bryophyllum pinnatum, and the funny self-perpetuating B. tubiflorum, which produces itself from plantlets, which grown on the edges of the leaves. Interplanted with Russelia equisetiformis (heath), with long grass like foliage that is festooned at this time of year and through the summer with long red tubular flowers, it creates a good contrast. also used in woodland areas is the Ruellia brittoniana producing a light blue flower, on the top of two to three foot stems of thin strap like foliage. The Russelia propagates itself from under ground `runners', whilst the Ruellia self seeds itself readily.

The night-blooming cereus, Hylocereus undulatus a rambling plant with triangular stems and small spines on segments of branches, is ideal for rambling over walls or up trees. The flowers open at sunset and last but a short time, but are magnificent when in bloom as they produce - once established - numerous blossoms that are up to five inches across.

There is another night blooming cereus (Selenicereus grandiflorus), which has round hairy spiny stems, bearing white/salmon flowers that are very fragrant. It has a habit similar to its cousin, it rambles over walls and up trees.

Bamboos are always interesting and add character to a design, two worthy of consideration, the taller B nitida which if contained offers an oriental feel to a garden or even a touch of the tropics, if planted with lush type foliage. It does need containing otherwise it will spread with new growth from the under ground stems.

A dwarf ground cover Sasa pygmaea stays very low-three inches- and spreads between other plantings to give a good ground cover effect, and of course suppress weed growth.

The Barbados gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata) is a climbing vine with spiny stems, has showy white flowers in late summer, followed by yellow berries, which droop down over its hosts foliage, making an impressive statement.

Though oft mentioned before, the Calabash - Crescentia cujete is worth planting as a specimen tree, its uniqueness lies in the fruit bearing habit of the flowers followed by the fruit forming on the branches or trunk. It is a relatively slow growing tree attaining a height of twenty-five feet. The hard shell of the fruit can be used in many ways from boat bailers to dark and stormy decanters!

Many of the plants mentioned above are not easily found, but can be propagated in the slat house; nurseries will usually custom grow odd items if requested. It is after all, the oddities in life that add spice and interest to many a garden and of course become a conversation piece when one drops the botanical name at the right moment... and who would be the first to admit they did not know the plant you are talking about!