Thank you very much for your advice. I like your thinking and can develop my planting with your suggestions in mind. Confirming what type of pot colour has been a big plus in my search. I have planted some nasturtiums for a bit of summer colour, and hope the Shasta Daisies will also give a bit of show. It is in a hot dry place enduring Queensland 35-40C in summer, so the pretties, bulbs, azelias etc are all in winter/spring here, and summer is over to the more hardies. I take your point about the bare time between flowering, and as it is in the entrance to my yard, I am trying to make it inviting all year round. Much appreciate your advice Thanks I

I know I shouldn't do it, but I love putting bird seed out every morning for the wild birds. I scatter it over the trampoline ( not used as a trampoline any more) so that the birds have a clear view all around and can look out for cats. I even managed to coax a wild magpie to eat from my hand recently! I was worried about its sharp beak, but it was very gentle!

I would put a food grade plastic liner inside, with holes punched in it at the bottom for drainage, if your planters are large. If the planters are small enough, just plant into another planter and pop it in.

I have sprayed all my large concrete planters and they have come up great, I think your bricks will paint up well, try an inconspicuous area as a test, I think your planters will look gorgeous.