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

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

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to the Canopys Podcast — the place where outdoor spaces stop being an afterthought and start becoming the best room of the house. I’m Michael from MP Landscape & Garden Design, and each episode we dive into the structures that shape how we live outside: pergolas, verandas, louvred roofs, timber canopies, and the clever design decisions that turn a simple shelter into a year‑round living space.
From choosing the right materials to understanding how light, weather, and layout affect the way a canopy performs, this podcast is all about giving you the insight to create outdoor spaces that feel effortless, comfortable, and beautifully built. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet corner to unwind, planning a full outdoor kitchen, or looking to extend your home into the back garden, I’ll guide you through the details that make a canopy not just look good — but work brilliantly in real life.
— the place where outdoor spaces stop being an afterthought and start becoming the best room of the house. I’m Michael from MP Landscape & Garden Design, and each episode we dive into the structures that shape how we live outside: pergolas, verandas, louvred roofs, timber canopies, and the clever design decisions that turn a simple shelter into a year‑round living space.
From choosing the right materials to understanding how light, weather, and layout affect the way a canopy performs, this podcast is all about giving you the insight to create outdoor spaces that feel effortless, comfortable, and beautifully built. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet corner to unwind, planning a full outdoor kitchen, or looking to extend your home into the back garden, I’ll guide you through the details that make a canopy not just look good — but work brilliantly in real life.