[Mum2mj]

Hi I've just moved and brought some plants/shrubs with me in pots. There are some unused beds here - is it better to leave them in pots or put them in the ground temporarily until I decide where I want them?  My main consideration is if we have a cold winter
It's still quite mild here at the moment
Thanks 

[snowdrops]

You could always plant the pot into the ground.

[bendipa]

If they are hardy the sooner you permanently plant out the quicker the plants will establish. Mild autumn weather is ideal for planting. You can plant in autumn and winter as long as the ground is not frosty. Eg bare root roses are planted in late autumn and throughout the winter. If the shrub to be planted is tall then it may be a good idea to stake it in case of windy weather.

[Kristen]

If you are going to decide on a permanent position before the end of Winter dormant season I would heel them in. If it is not going to be until next Winter I would leave them in pots, preferably in a cold greenhouse to keep the worst of any serious cold off their roots (pots will get colder than plants in the ground), and to stop them getting waterlogged (which they might if you planted them out and you have heavy soil and we get a wet winter)

[Goosegirl]

If you want to leave them in their pots, wrap some bubble-wrap or similar around the pots and mulch the soil surface with straw or whatever to help insulate them in case you get a chilly winter.