Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum' -- Leopard Plant -- Large, leathery, dark green, kidney-shaped leaves are covered with bright yellow spots on this evergreen plant that likes moist, though not soggy, soil. Leaves can be a foot across, and are typically much more spotted than on the young plant pictured. Afternoon to full shade is necessary, mainly because the soil needs to remain moist. Grows to 2x2'.

Farfugium japonicum 'Crispatum' -- This plant grows to a little under 2' in moist, but not soggy, conditions, and in part shade, forming 3' clumps. Large round leaves have seriously scalloped edges, like gigantic curly parsley. Near the end of summer, large, bright yellow daisy flowers rise above the bold foliage. Hardy to zone 7, perhaps 6 with protection. Previously known as Ligularia tussilaginea .

Ferraria crispa -- Spider Iris -- Seeing is believing with this little South African Iris family winter grower with a flower that looks as if it had been drawn with a fractal generator. Plant stays 8-16" in height, with linear, stem-clasping leaves that form progressively smaller sheaths around the stem. Synonymous with F. undulata. Most sources say zone 9, but ours do so well in our unheated zone 8 house that we wouldn't be surprised if they would take zone 8 with very good drainage. No promises, though.

Ficus pumila minima -- Dwarf Creeping Fig -- Ficus comes in many forms, and this one is nothing at all like a tree. Tiny climber/spreader slowly covers areas or climbs walls with its fingernail-sized, heart-shaped leaves. A little charmer when trained onto a bonsai, stake, trellis, or stalagmite. Zone 9.