Perennial picks to pair with Russian sage

Just when the bright colors of some perennials take a break in late summer, Russian sage makes its glorious appearance. Spindles of purple or lavender atop bushy silvery foliage, Russian sage stands out - and often alone - in the landscape. Determined to integrate the hardy perennial, David Salman, chief horticulturist for Santa Fe Greenhouses and its catalog, High Country Gardens, created a preplanned perennial garden, which he calls From Russia with Love. The garden plan, complete with plants, a planting diagram and maintenance instructions, covers 75 square feet and should attract hummingbirds and butterflies (but not deer and rabbits). It comes with a total of 19 plants including of course Russian sage (the Blue Spires variety), seven flowering perennials including Arizona Sun, Coronation Gold and Rosita Hummingbird Mint, as well as an evergreen ornamental grass (Blue Avena). The garden is good for Zone 5 through 9) and sells for $132.31 at highcountrygardens.com. You can choose your shipping date, the latest is Oct. 26 for this area's Zone 5.

Personalized platter is a perfect gift

You can literally carve your initials into bark on this birch tree oval platter, offered by Jessica Rust Designs online for $110. The initials, along with the date, make the ceramic platter a perfect gift for a wedding couple, or perhaps an anniversary of a nature-loving couple. The personalization goes into a heart on the tree on the left. The 151/2-by-111/2-inch platter joins a line that includes $55 dinner plates, a $75 serving bowl and set of mugs for $58. Other Rust lines include Love Bug, Love Birds and Family Tree. Check them out at rustdesigns.com.

Say hello to style, goodbye to germs

Calling its collection the "Mini Cooper of the bathroom fleet," Switzerland's Laufen introduces mimo, a line of small bathroom furnishings that feature WonderGliss finish, which makes the surface so smooth that dirt and grime can't take hold. The sink, pictured, has a hidden overflow and joystick lever for water control. The unique tub is a tiny 41/2-by-21/2 feet but is a luxurious 2 feet deep. Check them out online at laufen.com and in person at Waterware, 1829 S. State St., Chicago.