MP Landscape & Garden Design &; Food and fire outdoor living and The White Shire

Michael Palmer
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Welcome back — I’m Michael Palmer, garden and landscape designer, founder of MP Landscape & Garden Design, and creator of Food & Fire Outdoor Living. Alongside my wife, Lyn, we run The White Shire, exploring the very best of Yorkshire — its landscapes, walks, history, and hidden gems. On this podcast, I’ll share stories from gardens I’ve designed, tips for outdoor spaces and kitchens, and adventures around Yorkshire. Whether you love garden design, cooking outdoors, or discovering Yorkshire, you’re in the right place.

  1. Apr 21

    The Power of Garden Lighting: Why It Matters More Than You Think

    Garden lighting is one of those features people often overlook — until they see what it can do. In this episode, I talk about how the right lighting transforms a garden at night, adds depth and atmosphere, and makes your outdoor space feel inviting all year round. I cover the practical benefits too: improving safety, guiding movement, highlighting planting and architectural features, and extending the time you can comfortably spend outside. If you’ve ever wondered whether lighting is worth the investment, this episode will show you exactly why it’s such a powerful part of modern garden design. MP Landscape & Garden Design

    3 min

  2. Apr 9

    The Benefits of an Outdoor Office.

    Welcome back to the MP Landscape & Garden Design podcast. Today, I’m talking about something that’s becoming incredibly popular across the UK — the outdoor office. Whether you call it a garden studio, a workspace, or just a quiet retreat at the bottom of the garden, these buildings are transforming the way people live and work. So let’s get into the benefits, and then I’ll walk you through the planning requirements you need to know before you start.

    4 min

  3. Feb 1

    From Goats to Honey: The Story of Herd & Hive.

    Welcome to The White Shire Podcast, where I celebrate the makers, growers, and craftspeople who help keep Yorkshire’s heritage alive. I’m Michael, and each episode I take you behind the scenes of the small, hardworking businesses that give our county its character — the people who still believe in doing things properly, with care, craft, and a real connection to the land. Today, I’m sharing the story of a family‑run business that’s become a personal favourite of mine. It’s rooted in the countryside, shaped by the seasons, and built on simple, honest values. This is Herd & Hive — and they’re a perfect example of what makes Yorkshire craft so special.

    3 min

  4. Jan 29

    Welcome back to the podcast. I’m Michael from ⁠MP Landscape and Garden Design⁠, and today I’m diving into one of my favourite topics in garden structure design

    Welcome back to the podcast. I’m Michael from MP Landscape and Garden Design, and today I’m diving into one of my favourite topics in garden structure design — timber pergolas and garden arches. These features do far more than frame a view or hold up a climbing rose. When they’re designed properly, they shape the way you move through a garden, create atmosphere, and add real architectural presence to an outdoor space.In this episode, I’ll be talking through how I design pergolas and arches for my clients, the practical considerations that go into choosing the right timber, and the subtle design decisions that make these structures feel intentional rather than just “added on”. Whether you’re looking to create shade, define a route, or add a focal point that draws the eye, timber structures can completely transform the character of a back garden.So settle in — and let’s explore how pergolas and arches can bring structure, style, and a touch of craftsmanship to your outdoor living space.

    4 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    The Benefits of a canopy in your outdoor space

    Welcome to the MP Landscape & Garden Design podcast, where we talk about creating outdoor spaces that actually work for the way you live. Today we’re diving into one of our favourite topics — canopies. Not just the practical side, but how the right canopy can completely transform a back garden into a space you can enjoy all year round. From sheltering you from the Yorkshire rain to creating a cosy spot for cooking, relaxing, or entertaining, canopies are one of the most versatile features you can add to a garden. We’ll walk you through the options, the materials, the design choices, and a few real examples of how a well‑designed canopy can bring a garden to life.

    4 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Wood Fired vs Gas Fired Ovens

    Welcome to Food & Fire Outdoor Living, the podcast that brings the magic of outdoor cooking right to your ears. Join Michael as he explores the art and science behind wood fired, gas fired, and dual-fuel ovens, sharing personal stories, practical tips, and the unique atmosphere each cooking style creates. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your outdoor kitchen journey, this podcast is your go-to guide for transforming your garden into a vibrant space of flavour, connection, and memorable meals.

    4 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Cast Iron & Pyrex – Tools for Outdoor Cooking

    Welcome to the Food & Fire Outdoor Living Podcast. I’m Michael from MP Landscape & Garden Design, and this is where I share practical tips, inspiration, and stories about cooking and living outdoors. From wood‑fired ovens to fire pits, and from timeless tools to modern garden design, it’s all about making the back garden a place of flavour, warmth, and connection. In today’s episode, we’re diving into two essentials that I rely on week after week: cast iron pans and Dutch ovens, and Pyrex bowls with lids. They might seem like very different tools, but together they open up a world of possibilities in outdoor cooking—whether it’s searing, roasting, baking, or slow‑cooking meals overnight.

    4 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Three Years with Our Igneus Pizza Oven

    Three years ago, outdoor cooking wasn’t even on the radar. But a client’s request for an outdoor kitchen — complete with a pizza oven — set off a chain of events that changed everything. In this episode, Michael shares the story of how a visit to the Harrogate Home Building Show led to discovering the versatility of wood‑fired ovens, designing a kitchen space with Lyn, and installing their very own Igneus pizza oven just in time for Christmas. Since then, weekends at home have never been the same. Whatever the weather, cooking outdoors has become a way of life — from pizzas and breads to roasts and desserts. This is a story about design, discovery, and how one oven transformed everyday living into something extraordinary. https://www.mpgardendesigns.info/foodandfireoutdoorliving

    3 min
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About

Welcome back — I’m Michael Palmer, garden and landscape designer, founder of MP Landscape & Garden Design, and creator of Food & Fire Outdoor Living. Alongside my wife, Lyn, we run The White Shire, exploring the very best of Yorkshire — its landscapes, walks, history, and hidden gems. On this podcast, I’ll share stories from gardens I’ve designed, tips for outdoor spaces and kitchens, and adventures around Yorkshire. Whether you love garden design, cooking outdoors, or discovering Yorkshire, you’re in the right place.

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