The beauty of a lavender rosebush is sure to be KO'd by a patch of orange nasturtiums and scarlet cannas showboating nearby.

WSJ: Picking Colors for Your Garden

The text message you receive from your rosebush, in this case, is really an invitation to a smarter world, a world where ordinary objects are transformed and enlightened so they can serve you better.

FORBES: When Can Your Plant Talk? Mine Did Yesterday