Got this wonderful planter from the Harlequin Gardens in Boulder after reading a post about them on ATP

They had some really big ones, this one is about 18 inches across, but I could not pick them up. Now to determine what I need to put into it.

I bought a couple of new interesting plants, but want to take a look around first. I wish I had taken my camera. Harlequin is a funky garden spot, not fancy but very nice people. I will want to go back in the spring. Lots of the plants got hail damage but are looking well enough.

Do you think I could/should paint/stain it a terracotta color to blend with some of my others? Or is that a no-no for a work of art?

Wow Sis, that is one large and awesome bowl.
You can paint it, stain it or just mix up some buttermilk and moss to paint it with. Place it in the shade and let it age. Meanwhile I would plant it with hardy type plants. Did you get one of those sweet species columbine? You could put that in with maybe one of the very tiny sedum (lydium, hispanicum) and one of the medium to smaller semps. Could even plant one of those awesome little species penstemon in it. Just think of the reward next year.

Thanks, have been looking at penstemon online, I am trying to restrain myself and not overbuy and then be so disappointed if I lose them this winter.

I have a couple of thing you sent that are still living .... and hope will continue to do so. I will watch for the 1/2 off sales for some you have mentioned. Am tempted to go to Timberline and see if they have $1. plants left.

Timberline has the species penstemon, just be sure to get one of the smaller types. They can also help you choose some others that would work well in that wonderful bowl. I love that place.