Jean, your suggested approach is a Great Idea! It will help a lot to see what one would want or don't want without committing...
I will be using the same approach on a pocket plant space by burying into the soil, some specimens (still in pots) to see if they will survive the extended sun exposure, fall/winter temps and neighborhood deer family. Then whichever specimens have good survivability, will be permanently planted in early spring. I know I will lose some specimens but just need to do the experiment.
