In-depth thinking, guidance and industry insight from the PC Landscapes team. Our Insights explore garden design, sustainability, planning policy and the wider landscape industry, offering considered perspectives and practical knowledge drawn from real project experience.
A garden truly comes into its own the moment a client starts living in it, not just looking at it. That’s what any redesign, landscaping project or new terrace should be working towards. When we first talk to clients, it’s never long before the patio versus lawn question comes up. But the starting point is […]
Patio or lawn? How to get the balance right in your garden Read More »
Outdoor furniture shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a critical part of your garden design. We consider it alongside the structure of the planting, the positioning of a glasshouse, the light bouncing off a water feature in the morning, and the route between the house and the best spot to relax. In this blog, I share
Which outdoor furniture brands are best for dining and entertaining? Read More »
Whenever we start working with clients on an extensive garden project or significant redesign, they often bring along a wish list. It might include a swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, a pergola, or a glasshouse. All these features have real merit, but it’s worth clarifying your priorities first. We always return to one question: how
How to choose the right features for the way you use your garden Read More »
Our recent hot summers have tested even the most established gardens. This year, prolonged dry spells and drought in many places across the UK mean hosepipe restrictions for millions. Water is something we always consider in the early stages of design. In my own garden, I wanted to ensure it was more self-sufficient and less
How to protect your garden during hot, dry weather Read More »
September and October are usually the best months to have your garden landscaped when the project includes construction and planting. The strongest summer heat has normally passed, while the soil still retains warmth that can support new root growth. Autumn is not the only suitable period for landscaping, but it often provides the best balance
When is the best time to have your garden landscaped? Read More »
Stone walls can define a terrace, frame a flight of steps, retain a difficult change in level or create privacy around a pool and entertaining area. The best examples often do several of these jobs at once while still feeling appropriate to the house and wider garden. When we introduce stonework into a design, we
Stone wall ideas for traditional and contemporary gardens Read More »
You can make a garden feel more private by identifying exactly where it is overlooked and positioning planting or structures where they will have the greatest effect. This is often more successful than automatically increasing the height of every boundary. It is rarely the entire site that feels exposed. More often, it is a dining
Shade works best when it is planned around how the garden will be used. For many of our clients, this means thinking carefully about pool terraces, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, open lawns and south-facing seating before the main layout is finalised. The aim is not to cover an exposed area. It is to place shade
How to create shade in your garden without compromising the design Read More »
A large sloping garden can be one of the strongest features of a home, especially when it offers long views, mature planting or a natural connection to the surrounding landscape. The challenge is making it feel as good to use as it looks from the house. The most successful sloping gardens are not usually flattened
5 ways to make a large sloping garden more usable Read More »
Yes, an outdoor kitchen can be worth it in the UK if it is planned around real use, shelter, lighting and the wider garden layout. After the UK reached its hottest June day on record in 2026, outdoor living feels less like a luxury and more like a practical part of how we use our
