Sherrie,
You want BIG leaves. Tufa???? Have you considered Rhubarb? I have one that not only tastes great, but also has the most beautiful really huge leaves great for stepping stones, planters, fountains etc. Bonus - it's a perennial!
Summer

Hi Sherrie
I have seeds of a gourd which has very nice white flowers and stays fairly compact (it will reach out though). Also have seeds of large white squash with large leaves. I start them indoors in paper pots and plant them directly when the frost is not a problem.
I can send you some seeds of several to try. Send me your address. I will put a picture up on my blog of the flower.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gourd

Summer, I didn't even think about tufa leaves but that is a great idea! I will look at my rhubarb this summer for an extra large leaf.

cmmwiebe, that is very kind of you to offer seeds. I have a trade list; if there is anything you would like in exchange, please let me know. It is up to date except for the Diascia, I just traded that.

sherrie,

I have gourd seeds harvested form one that I converted into a birdhouse. They seem to be viable although I've never grown them.

For large leaf plants I would suggest hostas, if this works in your area. Also consider the gunnera - a giant plant. A bit prickly though.

Ianna

Ianna, sorry, I wasn't ignoring you - for some reason these posts aren't making it to my email, and I have no idea why. I just happened to notice extra posts to my original post, while reading everyone's haves and wants messages!

I have some gourd seeds coming. The reason why I wondered about leaf size is that I'm growing them on my deck. The deck is HOT and they should grow like crazy. I want to weave the leaves in and out of the railings. Just thought it would be a cool way to get some green on the deck!

Now, off to check my gardenweb settings....

Sherrie, I didn't think I was ignored and so no apology necessary.

Re the hot deck situation. In this case, I will suggest growing morning glories which do provide good foliage coverage in combination with your gourds. (wouldn't that look interesting) Although these MGs are rapid growers, I would suggest you start them early enough indoors so that it grows fast enough in your short season.