Cooking outdoors is about more than just fire—it’s about choosing the right tools that bring flavour, consistency, and tradition to every meal. In this post, I’m sharing two of my favourites: cast iron pans and Dutch ovens, and Pyrex bowls with lids. Together, they unlock a world of possibilities in the wood‑fired oven, from searing steaks to slow‑cooked stews. Cast Iron in the Fire Cast iron thrives in high heat, making it perfect for wood‑fired cooking. Whether I’m searing,

From Client Request to Personal Discovery Three years ago, outdoor cooking wasn’t even on my radar. As a garden designer, I was asked by a client to create an outdoor kitchen with a canopy — complete with a pizza oven. At the time, I wasn’t convinced. Would a pizza oven really be practical, or was it just another passing trend? That question lingered until Lyn and I visited the Harrogate Homebuilding & Renovating Show . There, we stumbled across The Pizza Oven Shop  stand. Th

Cooking by Firelight There’s something magical about cooking outdoors, especially when the wood‑fired oven is glowing and the back garden feels like the heart of the home. In our latest podcast episode, Lyn and I share the story of a rustic carrot soup that takes two days to prepare — a recipe built on patience, flame, and simple ingredients. If you enjoy this kind of outdoor living, you can explore more on my Food & Fire Outdoor Living page, where I design custom outdoor ki

MP Landscape and Garden Design – Crafting Bespoke Gardens At the heart of my work is MP Landscape and Garden Design. This is where my journey began, creating gardens that balance practicality with beauty, tailored to each client’s lifestyle. I personally carry out the design work, draw up detailed plans, and offer project monitoring to ensure every stage runs smoothly. While I don’t build the gardens myself, I can recommend trusted contractors to carry out the construction an

Introduction Welcome to the Food & Fire Outdoor Living  blog by MP Landscape & Garden Design! In this first post, I’m exploring one of the most exciting trends in garden design: outdoor kitchens. Over the past few years, homeowners have embraced the idea of cooking and entertaining outdoors, turning gardens into stylish, functional spaces that bring people together. And now, I’m taking this conversation further with my brand-new podcast series! Tune in to hear expert insights

A Modern Doncaster Garden Design Brought to Life In this post, I’m excited to share one of my latest garden design concept plans and walkthrough animations — a beautifully structured split-level garden in Doncaster. This design showcases how careful planning and attention to detail can transform an outdoor space into a series of inviting zones for relaxation, dining, and visual interest. The layout and material choices reflect the timeless style that defines my approach to Po

When designing an outdoor kitchen, selecting the right worktop is crucial. It must withstand the UK weather, resist heat, and maintain an attractive appearance. Over the years, various materials have been used, leading to a ranking of the top four outdoor kitchen worktops, from best to budget-friendly. 1. Dekton – The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Worktop Dekton Worktop Dekton stands out as a top choice for outdoor kitchens. This ultra-compact surface is incredibly durable, heat-r

Creating bespoke gardens across West Yorkshire allows me to design outdoor spaces that combine practicality, comfort, and style. For this...

Creating a beautiful garden is an art that combines nature, design, and functionality. One of the most crucial elements in garden design is the use of steps. Steps not only serve a practical purpose but also significantly enhance the overall aesthetic and flow of the garden. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of steps in garden design and how they can transform your outdoor space into an eye-catching statement. 👉 View my walkthrough animations Enhancing Access

Creating a garden that balances relaxation, entertaining, and planting is always a rewarding challenge. For this rear garden in Wakefield, I developed a set of garden design concept plans, supported by a full walkthrough animation, to transform the space into a functional and beautifully layered outdoor retreat. See more of my walkthrough animations here. Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Area One of the main features of this Wakefield garden is a generous outdoor kitchen and dining

At MP Landscape & Garden Design, I’ve recently completed a set of exciting outdoor kitchen layout plans for a stunning rear garden in...

At MP Landscape & Garden Design, I’m always excited to create outdoor kitchen spaces that combine functionality with a strong design...

In this blog, I’m sharing my garden layout plans for a stunning rear garden in Boston Spa, designed by MP Landscape & Garden Design ....

In this blog, I’m sharing my garden design concept plans for a stunning rear garden in Boston Spa. Designed to integrate seamlessly into...

Picture a space where the tantalizing scents of outdoor cooking mingle with the serene sounds of nature—a retreat crafted to awaken your...

Step into your personal paradise in Pontefract! Join me as I unveil the blueprint of a dream garden, meticulously designed to embrace the...

In designing this outdoor kitchen, I've curated detailed 3D images and a walkthrough animation for a rear garden. This concept...

Get ready to be captivated by the exquisite courtyard design by MP Landscape & Garden Design that graces this property in Pontefract....

These garden design concept plans by MP Landscape & Garden Design for the rear garden in Pontefract, West Yorkshire are appealing and...

Garden design concept plans with outdoor kitchen for a property in Wakefield As part of the creative process at MP Landscape & Garden...