Growing Annuals in Pots Buried in the Ground?

I am trying to do something different with all of the annuals in my front garden, as when we go away, they die out. A gardener told me, she puts annuals in a pot and places the pots in the ground. This eliminates border planting and there is just a section where you the annuals are. I hope I am making myself clear.

Example: I currently put impatiens all the way across my garden at the front. My new idea was to put the plants in pots and have just a few spots at the front and the plants will get moisture from the bottom when we are away. Has anyone ever tried this?

By Jeanette H.