A small conifer or even Lavendar would be nice in a pot

Not quick growing, but still worth it - Pieris forrestii, or one of the Pieris japonica hybrids, preferably with variegated leaves if you want year round attractiveness, although the variegated forms are usually even more slow growing. Make sure the one you buy isn't a small cultivar - some of the more recent introductions are only meant to be small shrubs, others will attain more than 10 feet, and choose one that's a good size already. Note that Pieris formosa forrestii varieties usually have bright red new leaves - P. japonica hybrids are grown more for their flowering than new leaf colour.

think it might be too shady for lavender Hijuju, but thanks. a pieris would give the right height but dont fancy the red growth in the spring, I shall have a look at the other varieties, thanks Bamboo