The insect is a katydid.

tj

Thanks! I wondered if that might be it, but then I was seeing some slightly different images of katydids. Maybe they come in a few slightly different looking versions?

The purple flower is a Petunia and the 2nd plant might be Stevia. Did you plant any Stevia seeds? I think it would have a sweet taste.

No, didn't plant any stevia. So you don't think it's GB Lobelia?

It can also be Lobelia siphilitica yes. What conditions are you keeping it in? It should have bloomed by now. My plants are just about finished blooming.

Oh, you weren't asking about the petunia, it was the plant next to it. We really need to see the whole plant, there's not enough visible to ID. The last photo is a Lactuca species, Wild Lettuce. Where are these located? I'm thinking New York?

I would get rid of the Lactuca before the rhizomes start spreading and it takes over your yard and neighborhood and county. Katydids come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Your's looks similar to the invasive Mediterranean Katydid, but you would have to be in California if that's what it is?🤔

The last one may be a Lactuca or perhaps a Sonchus. Either way, in a controlled garden environment or a container, it would be classed as a weed.

Btw, your shrub is a Barberry rather than an upscale jacket. 😉

Yes I would never leave a Burberry out in the garden!

OK, to answer a few Qs. Yes, I'm in NYC, zone 6b. All plants are in containers. Yes, my Great Blue Lobelia has been in bloom for a good 4 or so weeks now (and with adorable chubby bees, visiting daily). My other possible 'volunteer' Lobelia (in a different pot, alongside my Barberry shrub) is clearly too young to develop flowers, but maybe next year and after I repot it into another pot. And yes, that was a type-o....Burberry...Barberry... ;-)

Interesting on the last pic being a possible Lactuca / wild lettuce, as I myself thought it looked like some type of a salad green... ;-) I'll pull it up, roots and all. Thanks everyone!

Great Blue Lobelia can bloom the 1st year from seed. That's why I asked about the conditions. It looks mature enough to have bloomed this year. Any chance for a better photo of the plant with red leaves next to the Petunia?