I am in the same situation but even farther north. Nothing as big as a gunneral leaf grows in Northwest Iowa. In fact not much of anything grows here except corn, beans, & pigs. Any way, I would also being willing to pay for a gunnera leaf or even a mold of a gunnera leaf.

gardengal, someone gave me a caster bean leaf and I am in the process of making a silicone mold. I had never seen a caster bean leaf before until now. The leaf was 36" wide. I was so nervous when it came time to flip over the POP mold.

Thanks,
Serenseen

I wish I had a gunnera leaf to share. I tried to grow some from seed and had no luck what so ever.

Good luck in your hunt
Carey

Could you expand on using the decoupage glue? How much do you thin it and what leaf surfaces do you cover...front, back, both? Is your leaf still flexible after a week?

In the interest of science, I currently have a smallish rhubarb leaf in the freezer. Thought I'd see how that works for long term "storage". (It's been there for several months.) I know it's going to be very limp and the biggest challenge will be trying not to tear it. I expect it to be as fragile as VERY thin pie dough. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I have 2 Gunnera plants. I would be willing to share, but from here to Iowa ( I live near Seattle) it would be rather wilted, I would imagine. Are you saying that if you put the solution you mentioned, and let it dry, the leaf would be preserved somehow?

You know you can grow Gunnera in Iowa. There is any number of online Nursery's you can have a plant shipped to you. Or better yet have a local Nursery or Garden Center order you one. I have no knowledge of growing conditions in Iowa but all Gunnera needs is lots of sun and LOTS of water, of course in your heat a shady spot may be preferable.

If you really want a leaf email me and we can make arrangemants.

Kevin

Re: how to use the "Mod Podge" decoupoge glue. I pour about a half cup into a disposal container and add about 1/4 cup water. I paint one side, let it dry for maybe a half day, turn it over and paint the other side. With the caster bean leaf, I have to smooth out the edges and patch a few bug holes with duck tape. You will be more successful with elephant ear and hosta leaves than with the caster bean as it is a thin leaf. If you want try searching on this forum. That is where my info came from. also, last fall I preserved quite a few small hosta leaves because I had plans for the winter. The ones with good substance lasted till I threw them out in early spring. Good luck. Marie

Gardengal,
Gunnera is a pretty substantive leaf, however if the stem is not kept wet and picked at just the right time it will either wilt, which would not be bad, as it would make it really malleable, or the edges will dry quickly and be brittle, which is not what you want.
When do you need/want/well NEED this leaf?
Check your area nurseries, and show them what you are doing, see if they would be interested in letting you cull a couple of leaves from different plants. The nursery has to frequently cut and cull leaves from plants to keep everything growing nicely. Great find with the tropical garden too!!
Be creative,
Dena