On Tue, 29 Jun 2004 20:28:19 +0100, "Andrew"
wrote:

I have a fairly small conifer, which is currently about 4 ft high. It was
until recently kept in a pot, but a few months ago I planted it at the
bottom of the garden.

I know would like to bring up to the front of the garden to fill a space I
have, but I am concerned about future growth of the roots as the plant would
be nearer the house.

If necessary I would put it back in a pot, but was wondering if there was a
safe way to plant it in a pot with the pot underground, so it looks like it
is planted, but with the pot restricting root growth. Would this in fact
restrict the root growth or would the roots just end up spilling over the
top and outwards? I'm not concerned about restricting the growth of the
conifer, as I don't want it getting too big anyway.

Let me tell you a story
35 years ago I acquired 3 seedling scots pine trees.
2 of them I still have, in pots, kept root pruned and restricted, but
well cared for. They are about 18 inches high.
The third was in a pot for a few years, then planted in a friend's
garden. Last time I looked at it 10 years ago it was taller than the
house.
Beware planting conifers near the house. You don't say what sort of
conifer it is, but if you planted the pot in the ground it would split
the pot in a few years. I have done that too.

Pam in Bristol