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Trees For Containers
I've recently redesigned my small neglected garden into a patio garden and I want to add some height by planting two trees in pots. I'm a complete beginner and would welcome some advice on which species would look pretty and add a focal point. Ideally they would flower at different times of the year and even better if they still looked dynamic outside of their flowering period. What trees would grow well in a container. I've seen lots of recommendations for Acers but I'm on a corner so it can get quite breezy and I understand they are prone to windburn.
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Hi Kukie
What size containers do you have or are you thinking of getting?
Do you want a tree that will give you some shade, or would you prefer something more columnar in habit?
Or have you thought about a couple of fruit trees?
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I think some large Cordyline Australis would give the look you seem to be going for. They do fine in pots. Musa Basjoo are hardy banana and also do fine in a pot if well kept and protected in winter?
If you really want a tree then Italian Cypress.
...I was just going to suggest Cordyline's too...varieties 'Red Star' and 'Purple Tower' I think would suit...
...I had to laugh when I looked at the picture as I didn't realise it was the wrong side up... I was thinking how clever you were to have a grass growing out of the wall halfway up, and that lovely wicker style seat...bit flimsy perhaps... and those mosaics on the wall with a white overhang... oh and the miniature car attached to the side... and little shelves to hold a drink...
...never mind...
Salino
a little less brandy in that bedtime cocoa perhaps 
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Nor did I Salino until I read your post
Kukie, not a tree but how about a choisya, lovely perfume from some of them, I think Sundance would go well with your colour scheme.
Don't buy anything from Parkers. They have a dreadful reputation.
Japanese maples would be fine if you go fo rthe low, hummocky type as they won't get above fence height. I have the more upright Sango Kaku growing in full sun and in a windy position but sheltered by a trellis and it is now 3 metres high - coral red stems in winter, fabulous foliage shape and colour from spring to autumn.
Growing it in a pot would mean you have to be vigilant to keep it fed and watered so the foliage doesn't dry out so get the biggest you can, minimum 80cms I'd say. You can underplant with small daffs such as Thalia or Minnow for early spring interest and a contrats with those red stems.
You coud try a prunus serula which has shiny mahogany bark for winter interest and white blossom in spring but it's prone to diseases and often short lived.
The Italian pencil conifer suggested above would be good in pots but I personally think you need something more rounded to offset your already very angular garden and would echo the suggestion of a choisya Sungold which has evergreen golden foliage and orange smelling white blossom once it's settled and happy. Great contrast too for the black paving and furniture and sunny on a dull day.
No worries PF. There's been a thread on here for some time about poor plants from Parkers but new posters won't have seen it, hence my warning.
lol..what a good idea...
...can't promise I'll stick to it...