Well, we have three different types of fig, and by far the best is Brown turkey - it's fully hardy, and the figs themselves are delicious. The question is, do you have enough sunshine in Hampshire to keep it going? It can, like most fig trees, get quite big, so I hope you have a good bit of space, too.

I'd say Brown Turkey, I grew one in a large pot for several years and it is still going strong as long as it's well watered.

Youe could dig a large hole, line it with a paving stone each side and then backfill with soil to restrict the roots.

Figs can grow in quite restricted spaces, Hewell may have a photo of the one growing in the garden he visits at Aberglasnie (not sure of the spelling there!). there is one growing in a wall near the veg garden I seem to recall!

Sorry it's Hywel not Hewell, and Aberglasney not Aberglasnie!

Our fig trees seem to have sent their roots deep into the mountain rather than spreading sideways - they will search out water and don't seem to pose a problem to house foundations (if you have any - lots of houses here don't, including ours)