"Do you have a particular reason for wanting to grow it from seed?" I don't have any now and everyone I talk to thinks I will kill it if I dig it up. So I gave up and will start seed. Buying is not cost effective for that many. I understand the variability, plant lots and choose later, I have the room. Why plant in pots? I was just going to plant where I want them.

A couple of things jumped out at me. 1. I'm not positive but I don't think patio paints are meant to be used in a submerged environment. Rain OK, occasional soaking OK, underwater? Probably not OK. They are called "patio" paints and patios are seldom submerged. 2. Not to disparage Rust-oleum sealer but there are better sealers out there. And again, is the product OK to be used underwater? It says ideal over concrete, etc. but does it say "can be submerged"? Also a lot of sealers are meant only for vertical surfaces, they're basically water "shedders" instead of waterproofers. Read the label carefully. I use a Behr brand sealer that is meant to be used around pools. Note: most sealers go on cloudy but cure/dry clear. 3. Re: painting a birdbath. Birds have very sharp talons, any little scratches through the sealed surface will allow water underneath the sealant. This in turn will either react with the concrete causing it to flake or become grainy or let "bubbles" form under the paint and sealer skin. 4. Was your concrete leaf completely cured? If not, any paint/stain/sealer applied to it may come off. 5.I wouldn't seal and then paint, the paint may not adhere or go on smoothly. 6. Personally I would recommend using a non-painted leaf for the bath and using a painted leaf as decor. Perhaps paint the under side of the bath leaf? Don't know if any of this helps or not. Let us know how things turn out.

Thank you for the nice comments. I've seen many of these on the forum recently. Aren't the leaves fun to make? Kat, below is a link that shows how to make them. If you click on the links on the bottom of that page, you can see how they can be painted in different colors. Hope you get the chance to make some! Carol Here is a link that might be useful: Rhubarb Castings

instead of chicken wire try fiber from your local cement co. it comes in small bags, cheap, easy to use and very strong. they use it in concrete floors instead of rebar. i have elephant ear leaves that have stayed together for 10 years. you might be able to get it lowes or building supply store.