Thanks Evan, the dark purple plant is Perilla_frutescens. Not so much a perennial as a self seeder and can really be a serious spreader but easy enough to weed out of any area. I really love the dark color of it. Yes, there is a yellow water iris in the pond towards the back. It blooms pretty early, for some reason I don't have a picture of it in bloom. Will have to look again as there should be at least one. That is the end of a very long very big 30 yr old juniper hedge.
Oh such a shame about your leaf. I have had a few get damaged before opening. One got run over by the wheel of the riding mower when it was just emerging. It was heart breaking as it was the first year I grew them and was just so excited.
The Mandevilla is doing very well and so are the tropical water lilies.
