Welcome to grow, cook, eat, arrange, the weekly podcast from gardener, writer, teacher,and cook, Sarah Raven. Over the last two decades, Sarah has led the way by introducing a new kind of productive gardening which places emphasis on intense colour, sophistication, and achievability. Recorded at the beautiful Perch Hill Farm in Sussex, Sarah talks with special guests from across garden design, floristry, food, ecology, conservation, and more. Brimming with top tips and helpful hints, listen and learn how to create your most productive garden ever. You can find out more about the products discussed in each episode or get...
Thu, April 10, 2025
Bees are an absolute passion for us at Perch Hill, not just for their pollination and presence in the garden, but for their delicious and nutritious produce too. The same can be said for award-winning author and fermentation expert, Rachel de Thample, who joins Sarah this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share delicious honey-inspired recipes from her new book, her pick of the best bee-friendly plants, and much more besides. In this episode, discover: Rachel’s journey to writing her latest book, working at River Cottage and being introduced to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall The incredible and industrious world of bees, and how it takes 12 bees a lifetime to create a single teaspoon of honey Bee-friendly herbs that are not just beautiful, but useful to bees and humans alike A reimagined view of honey in cooking with Rachel's spectacular recipes Products mentioned: Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thyme-common Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/summer-savory Oregano 'Hot and Spicy' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/oregano-hot-and-spicy Artichoke 'Violet de Provence' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/artichoke-violet-de-provence Borago officinalis (Borage) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/borago-officinalis Allium siculum (syn. Nectaroscordum) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nectaroscordum-siculum Discover Rachel’s new book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/bees--honey-9781526625465/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 03, 2025
There’s a rich, complex, and utterly rewarding natural world that co-exists alongside ours, and relies on our gardens for food and safety – the often surprising world of small garden birds. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Adam Nicolson shares insights from his new book, Bird School , which explores the secret life of these tiny avian visitors, so often unfurling right under our noses in our gardens and green spaces. In this episode, discover: The true reasons behind the dawn chorus, its unique sound and timing What inspired Adam to immerse himself in the world of small birds How birds perceive the world so intricately, in a way that we’re yet to fully understand What we as gardeners can do to help protect our British bird species Order Adam’s new book, Bird School: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bird-School-Beginner-Adam-Nicolson/dp/000849083X Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Salix gracilistyla ‘Mount Aso’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salix-gracilistyla-mount-aso Goat willow hedging https://www.sarahraven.com/products/goat-willow-hedging Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 27, 2025
Spring is here in all its glory, and with it comes the perfect moment to plant and sow. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’ve compiled our top tips and growing inspiration from not one, but seven of Sarah’s all-time favourite guests. From Knepp’s Charlie Harpur on his favourite plants for pollinators, to the veg varieties Jess Gough is growing at home, revisit some of Sarah’s greatest guests and their timely recommendations for gardens large and small. Sarah also shares five fresh ideas for what to plant into your garden right now. In this episode, discover: Top growing tips from seven of Sarah’s most illustrious gardening guests Inspiration on plants for perfume, pollinators and punchy colour combinations in your garden Sarah’s top five flowers to plant now with springtime in mind Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 20, 2025
Charles Dowding is world-renowned as a pioneer of no dig growing, and while it’s great for saving time and effort, it’s also proven to be more productive and better for the environment, and the soil, too. Who better to hear from on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ than the pioneer himself, as Charles joins Sarah and Josie to share his decades of experience with no dig, tips on creating your own fertile garden compost at home, and inspiring ideas for what to sow in late-March. In this episode, discover: Charles’ experience with the no dig ethos in different soil types around the world How switching to no dig has made his crops consistently more productive across many years How to convert your own organic waste into fertile compost for successful growing and improve the long-term health of your soil Discover Charles Dowding’s latest book: https://shop.charlesdowding.co.uk/products/compost-transform-waste-into-new-life Products mentioned: Chervil 'Vertissimo' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chervil-vertissimo Coriander 'Leisure' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/coriander-leaf-form-leisure Mustard 'Red Frills' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills Winter purslane (Claytonia) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/winter-purslane Wild Rocket https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-rocket Salad Rocket 'Serrata' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata Mustard 'Red Frills' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills Broad Bean 'Superaguadulce' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/broad-bean-superaguadulce Lettuce Oak Leaf Collection https://www.sarahraven.com/products/organic-lettuce-seed-collection Pea ‘Hurst Green Shaft’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/peas-hurst-green-shaft Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: <a href='htt
Thu, March 13, 2025
Like many gardeners, Joe Clark was captivated by the magic of growing his own food at a young age, and now inspires millions more to be enthralled by the same fascinating process via his popular social media channels. Joe is an advocate for planting fruit, veg and flowers that you may not ordinarily encounter in the supermarket, and on this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ he shares his favourite varieties for every taste, space, and type of garden. In this episode, discover: Joe’s favourite varieties to grow for a simple, rewarding crop Hardy veg perfect for growing without a greenhouse A number of tasty varieties of lesser-known fruit and veg rarely found in the shops Order Joe’s book ‘Garden To Save The World’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Garden-Save-World-Feel-Good-Yourself/dp/1035032317/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Products mentioned: Tomato 'Costoluto Fiorentino' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-costoluto-fiorentino Dill (Anethum graveolens) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anethum-graveolens-dill Pea ‘Blauwschokker’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pea-blauwschokker Pea ‘Nairobi’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pea-nairobi Kohlrabi 'Kolibri' F1 (Gongylodes Group) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/kohlrabi-kolibri-f1 Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 06, 2025
Lighter, longer days signal the start of a joyous season for gardeners, and March is the perfect month to plan for the highlights of your spring and summer garden. Arthur Parkinson returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share the plants that brought him the most joy last year, the trials he’ll be undertaking in his own compact garden at home, and his personal pick of long-flowering varieties for successional colour and pollinator appeal, no matter the size of your plot. In this episode, discover: How to care for Arthur’s favourite China rose ‘Mutabilis’ so that it flowers for longer in your garden Standout geums for a spectacle that lasts from May right through to October The narcissi varieties that Arthur looks forward to trialling this year Standout dahlia varieties for summer pots, from last year’s favourite ‘Tartan’ to classics like ‘Blue Bayou’ Products mentioned: Liriope muscari https://www.sarahraven.com/products/liriope-muscari Rosa x odorata 'Mutabilis' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosa-x-oderata-mutabilis Rosa × odorata 'Bengal Crimson' (China) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosa-x-odorata-bengal-crimson Geum 'Totally Tangerine' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geum-totally-tangerine Narcissus 'Cragford' (Forcing) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-cragford-for-forcing Dahlia 'Tartan' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-tartan Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-waltzing-mathilda Dahlia 'Blue Bayou' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-blue-bayou Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 27, 2025
Bees are one of the most essential species in our ecosystem, and all of our gardens play a vital role in providing food and shelter for them to thrive. Beekeeper, gardener and writer Richard Rickitt’s passion for these particular pollinators is utterly infectious. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Richard shares what inspired him to start keeping bees at an early age, his fascination with the many species of wild bees in the UK, and the small but important changes we as gardeners can make to help protect their dwindling populations. In this episode, discover: The best bee-friendly flowers and shrubs to provide early pollen and nectar How to create habitat for wild bees in your borders and lawn Ways to make your own fantastic, affordable bee hotel The dangers of chemicals for pollinators in modern agriculture Products mentioned: Eryngium bourgatii ‘Picos Blue’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-bourgatii Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/galanthus-nivalis Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non scripta) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebells Salix gracilistyla ‘Mount Aso’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salix-gracilistyla-mount-aso Order Beekeeping for Gardeners: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/beekeeping-for-gardeners-9781399404846/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 20, 2025
Narcissi are such rewarding plants to grow, tolerant of almost any site and situation. At Perch Hill in particular, it’s shaping up to be a stellar spring for the humble daffodil and its more diminutive narcissus relatives. Whether it’s perenniality, perfume or punchy colours that you’re after in your own garden, in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah shares her personal edit of the longest-flowering and most fragrant narcissi varieties to grow. In this episode, discover: Why planting narcissi in your garden can be a viable alternative to tulips as the climate continues to change Top varieties for long, light flowering patterns (flowering a little over a long period of time), fabulous fragrance, and superb perenniality How best to plant your narcissi so that they stand out in a successional bulb lasagne Products mentioned: Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus ('Old Pheasant's Eye'): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-pheasants-eye Narcissus 'Avalanche': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-avalanche Narcissus 'Cragford' (Forcing): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-cragford-for-forcing Narcissus 'Starlight Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-starlight-sensation Narcissus 'Moonlight Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-moonlight-sensation Narcissus bulbocodium 'White Petticoat': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-bulbocodium-white-petticoat Narcissus 'Pipit': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-pipit Narcissus 'Minnow': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-minnow Narcissus 'Actaea': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaea Dutch Iris Mix: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dutch-iris-mix Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com <
Thu, February 13, 2025
Alfie Nickerson is a biodynamic flower farmer making his mark in British horticulture, and his 3,500-strong dahlia field, buzzing with wildlife, is testament to that. After working for 6 years as a jobbing gardener in London, and then volunteering at Fern Verrow – the biodynamic farm of previous guest Jane Scotter – Alfie describes his journey in creating the biodiverse haven that is Burnt Fen Flowers, as well as sharing his favourite annuals and dahlias, on this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: Alfie’s early gardening experiences in London, and what drew him to the Norfolk countryside The incredible work behind Burnt Fen’s biodynamic flower crop How they prioritise biodiversity in their practices, and what that biodiversity gives back to the land Alfie’s absolute favourite varieties of annuals and dahlias for cutting Visit Burnt Fen Flowers: https://burntfenflowers.com/ Products mentioned: Ammi majus https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Helichrysum bracteatum 'White' (Sunflower) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helichrysum-bracteatum-white Zinnia elegans 'Giant Purple Prince' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/zinnia-elegans-giant-purple-prince Papaver somniferum 'Black Swan' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-somniferum-black-swan Dahlia 'Jowey Winnie' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-jowey-winnie Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 06, 2025
Bea Andrews is no stranger to Perch Hill - she was head gardener for many years, and is now back in a new guise as our visiting florist, aka Botanika Flora. It's a joy to welcome Bea back for this nostalgic episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ with Sarah as she shares her fascinating background and route into horticulture in her native Hungary, the story of how she came to Perch Hill, and the inspiration she draws from the garden and the Sussex countryside in her stunning floral designs. In this episode, discover: The early inspirations behind Bea’s journey into gardening, horticulture and floristry Fond memories of Perch Hill, her impeccable eye for colour, and humorous anecdotes from her time as head gardener What Bea looks for in seasonal cutting, and how she combines these flowers and foliage in her unique arrangements Products mentioned: Bea’s Summer Dahlia Collection: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/beas-summer-dahlia-collection Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Botanika Floral: https://www.botanikafloral.co.uk Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 30, 2025
The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall are two of the most important horticultural projects of recent times, both helmed by the brilliant mind of Sir Tim Smit – Sarah’s guest on the podcast this week. Tim’s work on pioneering projects like Eden is guided by three pillars that also resonate for Sarah – education, entrepreneurialism, and the environment. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, we gain a rare insight into how Tim brings these values to life in projects that help reconnect people with the land and explore the potential of their own relationships with the natural environment. In this episode, learn more about: Tim’s entrepreneurial streak, and how his Dutch and English heritage has informed his remarkable journey with nature and the environment How innovative thinking on sustainability and the environment underpins Tim’s current and future projects, including the new Eden Project in Morecambe Bay The huge importance both Tim and Sarah place on improving education for the future of our natural world and the next generation of environmental entrepreneurs Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Eden Project Morecambe: https://www.edenproject.com/new-edens/eden-project-morecambe-uk The Lost Gardens of Heligan: https://www.heligan.com/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 23, 2025
If you're looking to support wild birds in your garden, the RSPB’s upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch is an essential event for us all. Adam Nicolson and Emma Marsh, Executive Director of the RSPB, join Sarah in this week’s bird-focused episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to discuss how to get involved in this weekend’s annual bird count, how it came to be, and the many ways that gardeners can actively support and encourage more wild birds in our gardens and green spaces. In this episode, discover: The role that gardens and gardeners play in restoring a bustling wild bird population. What we all can do to provide natural sustenance, shelter and safety for birds with our choice of planting. How the Big Garden Birdwatch came to be, and how you can get involved this coming weekend. Verbena bonariensis https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensis Lupinus ‘Masterpiece’ (Westcountry series) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lupinus-masterpiece English Yew (Taxus baccata) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/english-yew Rosa ‘Rambling Rector’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rose-rambling-rector Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 16, 2025
Savannah Miller’s newfound passion for growing cut flowers, in particular dahlias, feeds fantastically into her contemporary bridal designs. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Savannah discuss her successful career in fashion, an unexpected foray into bridal design, and her newfound joy in growing cut flowers and vegetables. Plus, discover Savannah’s top picks for the easiest and best performing flowers in her Gloucestershire garden. In this episode, discover: How Savannah began her fashion journey, and the motive behind her unexpected move into the bridal world The standout dahlia varieties that have captured a newfound passion for growing ornamental flowers More about the creative intersection of gardening and bridal fashion in Savannah’s latest collection Products mentioned: Savannah’s Wedding Dahlia Collection https://www.sarahraven.com/products/savannah-miller-dahlia-collection Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-honorine-jobert Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-suttons-apricot Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 09, 2025
Be it a fully fledged kitchen garden, or a few window boxes outside your back door, It’s never too early to start planning which edibles you want to grow for the season ahead. Following last week’s flower-focused episode, this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ continues the sowing theme to highlight Sarah’s top pick of outstanding edibles to grow from seed from the beginning of the year, through to the end of March. In this episode, discover: How to embrace winter growing, sowing some of the hardiest crops for tasty salads and nutritious greens to liven up winter dishes Which varieties offer the most transformative, flavoursome plants – from the punchy flavour of mustard wasabi to the ‘Sungold’ tomato’s unbeatable sweetness Tips on sowing direct into gutter pipes or outdoors with protection Products mentioned: Salad Rocket 'Serrata' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata Mizuna 'Red Knight' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna-red-knight-f1 Chervil 'Vertissimo' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chervil-vertissimo Spinach 'Medania' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spinach-medania Spinach 'Rubino' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spinach-rubino-f1 Mustard 'Red Frills' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills Mustard wasabi https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-wasabi Lettuce 'Merveille de Quatre Saisons' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lettuce-merveille-de-quatre-saisons Flat Leaf Parsley 'Gigante di Napoli' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoli Coriander 'Leisure' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/coriander-leaf-form-leisure Tomato 'Sungold' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-sungold Tomato 'Black Russian' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-black-russian Pea 'Nairobi' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pea-nairobi Courgette 'Bianca di Trieste' <a href='https://www
Thu, January 02, 2025
There are few more therapeutic jobs in the potting shed or polytunnel than sowing seeds, and if you’re looking to fill your spring garden with colourful cut flowers, now is the time to start sowing your standout varieties. In the first of two back-to-back episodes of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah turns her attention to the cut flowers she’ll be sowing from early January onwards, working week by week to create an invaluable sowing calendar you can easily follow at home. In this episode, discover: Sarah's love of seed sowing, and the meditative quality it brings Top performing seeds for the start of the year, from fragrant sweet peas to easy growers like cerinthe A unique tip to prevent mice from spoiling your sweet pea seeds Products mentioned: Sweet Pea 'Erewhon' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-erewhon Sweet Pea 'Matucana' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-matucana Cobaea scandens https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cobaea-scandens-purple Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascens Antirrhinum majus 'Liberty Classic Crimson' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-f1-liberty-classic-crimson Antirrhinum majus 'White Giant' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-giant-white Linaria maroccana 'Sweeties' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/linaria-maroccana-sweeties Ammi majus https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-viridis-blue Centaurea cyanus 'Polka Dot Mixed' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/centaurea-cyanus-polka-dot-mixed Malope trifida 'Alba' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/malope-trifida-alba Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Black Cat' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-cat Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the
Thu, December 26, 2024
For those who garden, whether on a windowsill or on a grander scale, it soon becomes a source of inspiration, passion and peace. A way to ground and find solace and, increasingly, a test of resilience and adaptability too. In a reversal of the usual ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ format, journalist and broadcaster Alex Clark turns guest question master to steer the conversation on Sarah’s journey into horticulture, what they both get from gardening, and the sensory delights that growing, plants and wildlife can bring into our lives. In this episode, discover: How Alex came to gardening as a newfound passion Incredible tips for newcomers from Sarah’s 30+ years’ of growing experience at Perch Hill Sarah’s original career path, and how she found the love of flowers that she now shares with us all Why pot gardening is ‘the great equaliser’ and a fantastic way for everyone to garden wherever they are Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 19, 2024
Every Ottolenghi book is a gift, filled with a treasure trove of unique recipes and the latest, Comfort – perfectly timed for Christmas feasting – is no exception. In fact, by the end of this week’s episode you may well be rethinking your own festive menu… A self-confessed Ottolenghi fan, Sarah is joined Verena Lochmuller and Tara Wigley – two of the co-authors of Comfort , the latest Ottolenghi cook book – to share some of their favourite comfort food recipes including a delicious chocolate mousse inspired by the nostalgia of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, and a curry leaf dukkah guaranteed to jazz up any vegetable side dish. In this episode, discover: The diverse culinary backgrounds of the Ottolenghi team, and how they've brought together the best comfort food recipes from around the world How to transform traditional Christmas veg like Brussels sprouts into a slow-cooked flavour sensation Nostalgic and novel dessert recipes for puddings to top off a delightful Christmas or New Year’s feast Ottolenghi Comfort: https://ottolenghi.co.uk/blogs/stories/ottolenghi-comfort Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 12, 2024
Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year, and sustainability need not detract from that joy. With a little bit of forethought, we can all enjoy a colourful and creative celebration that respects our planet too. Sarah is a passionate advocate for sustainability, so in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ she shares some of the most exciting, naturally sourced and low impact ways to decorate your home, festive table and tree, as well as a fantastic guide to creating your own compostable wreath. In this episode, discover: Sustainable ways to create a festive wreath using foraged branches, moss and flowers from the garden Whether real trees are a benefit to the environment over faux trees Highlights from the winter garden to create beautiful decorations for the table and tree Products mentioned: Rosemary 'Foxtail': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosemary-foxtail Trachelospermum jasminoides: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/trachelospermum-jasminoides Clematis & Wisteria: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-and-wisteria Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bay Eucalyptus gunnii 'Azura': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eucalyptus-gunnii-azura Helleborus niger: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-niger Helleborus x ballardiae 'Maestro': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-ballardiae-maestro Lunaria annua: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annua Panicum miliaceum 'Violaceum': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-violaceum Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation Allium cristophii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophii Allium schubertii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii Briza maxima: <a href='https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-
Bonus · Tue, December 10, 2024
Welcome to the December Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie answer questions sent in by our lovely listeners each month. In this episode, Josie shares how best to create your dream garden from one that you’ve just moved into, and enlightens us on what constitutes part-shade and full-sun, so that we can plant our flowers where they’re best suited. Sarah also gives us some fantastic wreath decoration ideas which are foraged, therefore more sustainable, and lauds the benefits of coppicing. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 05, 2024
Christmas is only a few short weeks away, and while the garden may be winding down into winter mode, it’s the perfect time to spread joy to green-fingered friends with some well-considered gifts and elegant decorations. With Arthur joining Sarah this week for an exciting journey through the pages of our latest Christmas catalogue, Sarah explains why she’s more excited by this year’s festive range than ever before. In this episode, discover: Irresistible decorations for the tree, with a few specific nature-themed baubles catching Arthur’s eye Tried and tested favourites that deliver year upon year, like the ever-reliable Solar Allium Stake Lights An increased focus on sustainability in the range, as well as living gifts like our Thyme & Rosemary in Terracotta Pots and Sarah’s favourite Double Paperwhites in a Leaf Trough Products mentioned: Ceramic Pomegranate Candleholder https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ceramic-pomegranate-candleholder Star Sequinned Mini Glass Baubles https://www.sarahraven.com/products/star-sequinned-mini-glass-baubles Gold and Silver Ribbed Baubles https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gold-and-silver-ribbed-baubles Jade Gemstone Light String https://www.sarahraven.com/products/jade-gemstone-lit-garland Solar Allium Stake https://www.sarahraven.com/products/solar-allium-stake Sissinghurst Gold Painted Glass Candleholder https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sissinghurst-gold-painted-glass-candleholder Whopper Glass Fruit Decorations https://www.sarahraven.com/products/whopper-glass-fruit-decorations Luxury Christmas Crackers https://www.sarahraven.com/products/luxury-christmas-crackers As-if-from-Venice Green Glass Bauble https://www.sarahraven.com/products/as-if-from-venice-green-glass-bauble Corcertina White Paper Garland https://www.sarahraven.com/products/corcertina-white-paper-garland Bumblebee Glass Baubles https://www.sarahraven.com/products/bumblebee-glass-baubles Thyme & Rosemary in Terracotta Pots
Bonus · Sun, December 01, 2024
The garden winds down in December, but there’s still a few small jobs that’ll stand it in good stead for the year to come. In this monthly episode of ‘grow, cook, eat arrange’, Sarah takes us through which bulbs can be forced now, and an experimental watering technique, while Josie runs down the winter pruning plans and why it’s not too late to plant your tulips. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 28, 2024
Dominic Rose holds multiple roles; Chair of Sarah Raven, self-appointed ‘amateur gardener’, and leading advocate in bringing biodiversity to the residential gardens and back yards of Britain. In our 200th episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Dominic unpacks his ambitions for ‘Britain’s Biggest Living Garden’ – a community action project in North London’s Hampstead Garden Suburb – and explains how it might inspire others to support biodiversity in their own gardens at home, including the next generation of aspiring gardeners who’ll tend our green spaces in the future. In this episode, discover: The catalyst for creating Britain’s Biggest Living Garden, and the ecologists, authors and volunteers who have guided its mission How the benefits to biodiversity are already being measured Dominic’s ambitions to inspire the next generation of gardeners, with biodiversity at the forefront Britain’s Biggest Living Garden: https://www.britainsbiggestlivinggarden.org/ Wildlife Gardening Forum: https://www.wlgf.org/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 21, 2024
Gardening is a diverse pursuit, and there’s no shortage of tools and kit that can help transform horticultural chores into an easier, more pleasurable experience. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Perch Hill’s Josie Lewis joins Sarah to look back over the gardening year and nominate the top 10 desert island tools that no gardener should live without. In this episode, discover: Tools and containers perfect for making light work of planting and sowing Sarah and Josie’s favourites vases to make floral arrangements easier to put together and more visually appealing Sarah’s all-time favourite pots and trugs, with designs that have inspired products in our range Products mentioned: Zinc Harvesting Trug https://www.sarahraven.com/products/zinc-harvesting-trug Niwaki Hori Hori Knife https://www.sarahraven.com/products/niwaki-hori-hori-knife Niwaki s-type Hori Hori Knife and Sheath https://www.sarahraven.com/products/niwaki-stype-hori-hori-knife-and-sheath Tub Planter https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tub-planter Hortiwool Hanging Basket Liner Set https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hortiwool-hanging-basket-liner-set Hortiwool Garden Pad https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hortiwool-garden-pad-pouch Sarah Raven Pruning Snips https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-raven-pruning-snips Sarah Raven Poachers Spade https://www.sarahraven.com/products/poachers-spade Nero Vase https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nero-vase Bumper Bulb Planter https://www.sarahraven.com/products/bulb-planter Striped Ceramic Vases https://www.sarahraven.com/products/striped-ceramic-vases Terracotta Pots https://www.sarahraven.com/products/terracotta-pots Terracotta Scalloped Pots https://www.sarahraven.com/products/terracotta-scalloped-pots Rustic Terracotta Pot https://www.sarahraven.c
Thu, November 14, 2024
Butterflies and bees can only thrive in a garden with a ‘living buffet’ to which they can flock, which is why biodiversity is the hot topic for Sarah and Arthur in this latest episode of grow, cook, eat, arrange. Reflecting on a year in which pollinators have struggled and needed particular support, they share the best plant varieties for bringing a much-needed buzz into your gardens, and discuss why nighttime pollinators ought not be forgotten. In this episode, discover: Sarah & Arthur’s absolute favourite flowers for creating a biodiverse haven The importance of late-flowering plants, providing pollen at crucial times when late-emerging pollinators may need it most The often-overlooked night time wildlife that also benefits from biodiverse gardens Arthur’s newfound tip for keeping slugs away from your greenhouse Products mentioned: Dahlia variabilis 'Bishop's Children': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-bishops-children Geum 'Totally Tangerine': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geum-totally-tangerine Dahlia ‘Sarah Raven’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-sarah-raven Dahlia ‘Lou Farman’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farman Buddleia alternifolia: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/buddleia-alternifolia Dahlia ‘Blue Bayou’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-blue-bayou Verbena bonariensis: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensis Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-officinalis-var-grandiflora-bampton Verbena rigida: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-rigida Panicum miliaceum 'Violaceum': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-violaceum Nemaslug - Biological Slug Control: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nemaslug-biological-slug-control Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sar
Bonus · Tue, November 12, 2024
Welcome to the November Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie answer questions sent in by our lovely listeners each month. In this episode, Sarah answers timely questions on forced bulbs and whether it’s too late to plant them now for Christmas, as well as the things you can still sow at this time of year. Meanwhile, Josie gives us a crash course on bare root plants, and what’s currently being planted at Perch Hill, which might inspire your own planting this November. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 07, 2024
Please be aware: This episode contains sensitive discussion about animal death and stillbirth, which some may find upsetting. Seasonality is a powerful quality in any recipe, to which the abundance of delicious culinary ideas in Julius Roberts’ new book ‘The Farm Table’ is perfect testament. We explore Julius’ journey as a chef, farmer, grower and author on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week, in an episode bound to inspire you with a renewed outlook on cooking, and a fresh appreciation for the work that brings a successful plate together. In this episode, discover: The most invaluable lessons that Julius learned from his training at the renowned London restaurant, Noble Rot The greatest joys and most challenging emotional struggles of ‘nature first’ farming How cooking makes us human, and why seasonality should be a central pillar to the food we grow and cook The very best recipes from ‘The Farm Table’, such as Julius’ fan-favourite Tarragon Roast Chicken and a lamb dish that champions the joy of humble Swiss Chard Products mentioned: Swiss Chard 'Lucullus': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-lucullus Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Fri, November 01, 2024
November signals a real turn in the weather, and this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat arrange’ is a perfect collation of all the jobs you should consider to prepare your garden for the impending season. Sarah gives a rundown of the tasks at the top of her mind, from sowing pea tips and lovely scented sweet peas, to preparing paperwhite narcissus for planters. Elsewhere in the garden, Josie nudges us to prepare your soil for winter, and to prune your roses to protect them from the elements in the months to come. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 31, 2024
Even in smaller, urban gardens and balcony spaces, you can breathe life into them with charming pots and bulb lasagnes Curating her own balcony garden with that vision of city-bound colour in mind, Jemima Bowker returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share with Sarah how she’s taking on the challenge of small space gardening for the autumn months, with fantastic tips aplenty for those of you doing the same. In this episode, discover: The small space gardening solutions that Jemima and Sarah suggest to maximise your limited spaces, like hanging window boxes and plant theatres Tasks that you’ll want to do as we transition into autumn, and when to start planning your bulb displays Sarah guides Jemima through the art of creating stunning bulb lasagnas, with tips on selecting complementary varieties and planting in layers Products mentioned: Thyme & Rosemary in Terracotta Pots https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thyme-and-rosemary-in-terracotta-pots Tulip 'Orange Marmalade' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-orange-marmalade Iris 'Purple Hill' (Reticulata) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-reticulata-purple-hill Tulip hageri 'Little Beauty' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulipa-hageri-little-beauty Fritillaria meleagris https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-meleagris Plum and Apricot Tulip Mix https://www.sarahraven.com/products/plum-and-apricot-tulip-collection Sarah Raven Tulip Collection https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-raven-tulip-collection Tulip 'Slawa' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-slawa Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-atrosanguineus-chocolate Pelargonium sidoides (Species) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-sidoides Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bay Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1 <a href='https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-t
Thu, October 24, 2024
Biodiversity thrives on the presence of hedges, and autumn presents a wonderful time to get them planted, bringing a beautiful birdsong into your garden. Adam Nicolson joins Sarah for this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, sharing his ever-bountiful knowledge on all things biodiversity, and which hedges are perfect protection for an enchanting ensemble of birds and butterflies. In this episode, discover: How maintaining hedges at a warbler-y phase helps songbirds in particular Leafy, thorny and nectar rich hedges to grow, like yew, hornbeam and privet How to put hedges into the garden, and at what time in the season is ideal Products mentioned: English Yew (Taxus baccata) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/english-yew Hornbeam Hedging https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hornbeam-hedging Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-privet Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-viticella-etoile-violette Lonicera periclymenum 'Rhubarb and Custard'® https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-rhubarb-and-custard Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 17, 2024
In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah is joined by celebrity hair stylist and keen gardener Sam McKnight MBE. Sam shares with Sarah his passion for gardening and how he indulges the solitude of the garden, as well as his fabulous career journey. Sam McKnight MBE is one of the most influential and celebrated hair stylists in the world today. His ethos ‘to empower women through hair’ has attracted an unparalleled list of collaborators from Vogue and Chanel to Princess Diana and Kate Moss. In this episode, discover: The origins of Sam’s staggering life in hairdressing and fashion Charming stories from the 7 years that Sam worked with Princess Diana Sam’s relatively recent love of gardening, and which flowers are among the most inspiring that he grows Products mentioned: Dahlia 'Café au Lait' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-lait Dahlia 'Café au Lait Royal' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-lait-royal Dahlia 'Labyrinth' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-labyrinth Dahlia Cactus Group Mix https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cactus-group-mix Geranium 'Rozanne' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanne Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, October 16, 2024
Sarah Raven is now certified B Corp, a delightful announcement as an industry-first within the online retail gardening industry. For those unfamiliar with the certification, this special bonus episode talks through the many reasons that B Corp status matters, and what it means for both us as a company, and you as gardeners. Sarah shares what makes us a B Corp, why biodiversity, sustainability and quality matter so much to us, and the caring vision that this helps us to grow into. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, October 15, 2024
Welcome to the October Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie answer questions sent in by our lovely listeners each month. In this episode, Sarah shares which of the bulbs you should plant out as soon as you receive them and why, and Josie talks through when you should mulch dahlias if you’re not lifting them over winter. Josie also covers everything you need to know to prepare dahlias for the winter, from lifting them out of pots to knowing when & how to store them, and Sarah runs down the finest perennials that you can plant this month. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 10, 2024
It’s prime bulb-planting time, and top of mind for Sarah right now is a stunning collection of colourful, inspiring bulbs to plant. This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is a must-listen for bulb fanatics, as Sarah talks us through her desert island bulbs, how to plant for colour succession in the spring months, and the delightful stories behind how some of Sarah’s favourite bulbs were discovered. In this episode, discover: Charming stories behind the discovery of some of Sarah’s favourite bulbs, including her namesake Tulip ‘Sarah Raven’ A brand new variety of allium which earns its place in the company of the beloved schubertii Collections of tulips perfect to create succession between months, loading your garden with constant colour This week, don’t forget to make the most of our Bulb Bonanza - you can get up to 40% off of our autumn bulb range. The offer ends this weekend, learn more at https://www.sarahraven.com/ . Products mentioned: Tulip 'Dom Pedro' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedro Narcissus 'Starlight Sensation' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-starlight-sensation Allium schubertii 'Arctic Snow' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-arctic-snow Lilium 'Black Beauty' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lilium-black-beauty Tulip 'Blue Heaven' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-blue-heaven Tulip 'Orange Marmalade' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-orange-marmalade Tulip 'Sarah Raven' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-sarah-raven Tulip 'Queensday' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-queensday Tulip 'Danique' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-danique Tulip 'Green Wave' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-green-wave Tulip 'Green Spirit' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-green-spirit Tulip 'Mystic van Eijk' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-mystic-van-eijk Tulip 'Ice Stick' <a href='https://
Bonus · Wed, October 09, 2024
Welcome to the last of our floristry mini-series, perfect for any social affair - Sarah takes you through how to compose a stunning arrangement in a bowl for table flowers. Step by step, you’ll see how she creates a natural scaffold through which the display emerges, and shares some of her favourite flowers and foliage to work with in an arrangement that’s both gorgeous and utterly relaxed. Products mentioned: Niwaki Pin Holder https://www.sarahraven.com/products/niwaki-pin-holder Flexi-Tie Set https://www.sarahraven.com/products/flexi-tie-set Hibiscus acetosella 'Mahogany Splendor' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hibiscus-acetosella-mahogany-splendor Rosa rubrifolia (Shrub) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosa-glauca-syn-rubrifolia Setaria 'Caramel' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/setaria-caramel Dahlia 'Labyrinth' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-labyrinth Dahlia 'Schipper’s Bronze’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-schippers-bronze Dahlia 'Café au Lait' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-lait Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 03, 2024
Flowers have been used in cooking for centuries, but there’s an art to the edible flower with which many of us are yet to experiment. It’s this art which is central to Carolyn Dunster’s latest book - this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ sees Arthur Parkinson explore Carolyn’s journey with edibles, the simplest and best varieties to grow yourself, and some marvellous recipe ideas to try at home. In this episode, discover: Carolyn’s first discovery of flowers being edible, and how that changed her perspective on growing Why it’s so rewarding to plant your own flowers in the knowledge that they’re chemical-free The development of Carolyn’s simple, delicious, and visually stunning recipes Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, October 02, 2024
Welcome to the latest in the Be Your Own Florist Mini-Series, this time showing you how to craft a stunning display in a vase. Any vase can be turned into a gorgeous arrangement, but Sarah shows how best to use the flared neck and wide belly of a vase like our own ‘Favourite Jade Vase’, bringing bombastic structure to your arrangement both upwards and outwards. Products mentioned: Favourite Jade Vase https://www.sarahraven.com/products/favourite-jade-vase Eucalyptus Stems https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eucalyptus-stems Thalictrum delavayi https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thalictrum-delavayi Persicaria orientalis https://www.sarahraven.com/products/persicaria-orientalis Dahlia 'Molly Raven' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-raven Dahlia 'Caitlin's Joy' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-caitlins-joy Dahlia 'Burlesca' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-burlesca Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, October 01, 2024
As days shorten and the cold rolls in, we’re prompted to undertake some key jobs in the garden this month, so join Sarah and Josie for October’s most important tasks in this special episode. Sarah and Josie share the need to plant out the likes of hardy annual salad leaves, and biennials if you’ve sown them already. They also touch on the need to harvest your pumpkins and squash, plus the perfect day of the year to plant out more of your tulip bulbs and vegetables. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 26, 2024
Garden design is certainly a creative affair, and while Hazel Gardiner’s background was once in fashion, her floristry studio exudes inspiration from which we can all learn. This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ explores Hazel’s journey from fashion to floristry, the thought process behind her own garden, and her absolute favourite plants for the garden and as cut flowers. In this episode, discover: How Hazel’s background in fashion and events gives her such a wonderful eye in the garden The inspiration behind Hazel’s zoned, structured garden in Stoke Newington Evergreen plants perfect for those wanting gorgeous impact all year round Hazel’s must-have plants in the garden and for cut flowers, from grasses like Hakonechloa to dinner plate dahlias like ‘Cafe au Lait’ Products mentioned: Stipa gigantea https://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-gigantea Stipa tenuissima 'Pony Tails' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-tenuissima Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cynara-cardunculus Rhubarb 'Livingstone' (Everbearing) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rhubarb-livingstone Hakonechloa macra https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hakonechloa-macra Rosa 'Rambling Rector' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rose-rambling-rector Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-atrosanguineus-chocolate Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, September 25, 2024
Welcome to the next episode in our floristry mini-series, and in episode 3 we’ll be sharing the best way to create a gorgeous, flowing hand-tied bunch. Join Sarah as she shows the process from the stable scaffold-like base of foliage, to the simple, delicate addition of your most eye-catching flowers, and how to use the bride-bridesmaid-gatecrasher approach to balancing them perfectly... Products mentioned: Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses' (Scented) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-attar-of-roses Garden Mint (Spearmint) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spearmint Dahlia 'Night Silence' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-night-silence Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Lime Red' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/zinnia-elegans-queen-red-lime Hydrangea paniculata 'Wim's Red' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-wims-red Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 19, 2024
Town gardening often demands that we as gardeners use our spaces wisely, and Tom Stimpson’s use of pots can teach us so much about creating a vibrant ensemble in the most modest of spaces. This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ takes us on a tour of Tom’s garden, brimming with inspiration for us all to plant more in pots to breathe life into compact gardens. In this episode, discover: Which flowers have best transformed Tom’s space over the 20 years he’s been there into a vibrant, aromatic haven Tom’s use of topiary and architectural elements to create structure in his stunning garden The flowers with unbeatable fragrance for picking and bringing into the house Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, September 18, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode in our floristry mini-series, this time bringing the best of your garden to life in a gorgeous tabletop ensemble. Join Sarah as she demonstrates how she arranges sweet peas, erigeron, phlox and more, talking through the perfect approach to structuring them for their eye-catching moment in the limelight at any gathering. Products mentioned: Sweet Pea 'Erewhon' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-erewhon Sweet Pea 'Nimbus' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-nimbus Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/erigeron-karvinskianus Nicotiana sylvestris 'Only the Lonely' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nicotiana-sylvestris Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-purity Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 12, 2024
Arthur Parkinson may be a wonderful champion for the portable nature of the potted urban garden, but it’s an exciting prospect that he has the opportunity to grow on some new land in Gloucestershire. Between the rare breeds of hen and the lovely collection of dahlias that he’s built up, this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ should inspire anyone looking to keep either some delightful poultry or radiant flowers alike. In this episode, discover: Arthur’s experience in Gloucester, and how he came to find the land he’s on The lovely, rare breeds of hen that he’s rearing to keep the poultry gene pool thriving How Arthur’s got some gorgeous dahlias blooming in spite of such wet ground, with inspiring ideas for standout varieties Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Products mentioned: Dahlia 'Rip City': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-rip-city Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-verrones-obsidian Dahlia 'Tartan': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-tartan Dahlia 'Irish Pinwheel': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-irish-pinwheel Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, September 11, 2024
Welcome to our latest mini-series: Be your own florist - pick and arrange your own garden flowers, with Sarah Raven. Focused on the joys of floristry, Sarah will take you through the essential steps to bring the best of your garden to life in a vase. This first episode is a fantastic crash course in conditioning your cut flowers, following Sarah’s 5 S’s for giving plants the most impressive vase life possible, with guidance on the vital steps like searing stem ends, sterilising bulbs, and where to pick your flowers from. To get the most out of this episode, you watch Sarah in action over on the Sarah Raven YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahraven Products mentioned: Dahlia ‘Penhill Watermelon’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-penhill-watermelon Dahlia ‘Molly Raven’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-raven Dahlia ‘Night Silence’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-night-silence Lilium speciosum var. rubrum 'Uchida': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lilium-speciosum-var-rubrum-uchida Hydrangea arborescens 'Incrediball' (Strong Annabelle): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-incrediball Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, September 10, 2024
Welcome to the September Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie answer questions sent in by our lovely listeners each month. In this episode, Sarah shares the ideal time to mulch your dahlias and how best to tackle the task, and when to start working on forced, scented bulbs ready for Christmas. Meanwhile, Josie picks up questions on deciding what to cut back and what to leave on the way into autumn, plus how to spot the ideal time to start planting out your bulbs. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 05, 2024
With the changing of seasons brings an exciting new catalogue from which to draw inspiration for the year ahead. In this episode full of possibilities, Arthur joins Sarah to peruse the latest and greatest from the Sarah Raven Autumn catalogue, shining a spotlight on the great performers and showstoppers to sow now, ready to breathe life into the garden next spring. In this episode, discover: Bold and perennial tulips like the almost-fluorescent ‘Queensday’ What makes narcissi the sustainable bulb of the future, and standout varieties like ‘My Story’ Tips for growing ranunculus, with a spotlight on bold varieties like the burgundy ‘Elegance Viola’ Why we keep coming back to beloved favourite evergreen climbers like Trachelospermum jasminoides Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Sun, September 01, 2024
September signals a time where we’re preparing our plants for the colder months, which makes this episode rounding up the essential monthly jobs such an important one. Sarah and Josie direct you towards the edibles you should concentrate on - namely the hardy annuals - and remind us of the need to deadhead your dahlias. September is also the time to plant out your biennials before the cold sets in, start forcing bulbs, and take cuttings of your tender perennials. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 29, 2024
Andy Monaghan’s background as a dancer alongside his gorgeous work with flowers gives him such a unique, inspiring outlook on crafting a horticultural style. Andy joins Arthur Parkinson this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ as he shares the combined influence of the two creative careers, how they guide his gardening on his beautiful land in Hampshire, and the joys of bringing homegrown bouquets to the Royal Opera House. In this episode, discover: The creative nature of both Andy’s careers, and how they guide and influence each other How Andy came to have such a gorgeous Hampshire space and his huge experimentation with dozens of different varieties of roses Floral design techniques, and the value in having an open mind in gardening Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Products mentioned: Allium schubertii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii Allium cristophii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophii Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 22, 2024
Autumn is an exciting moment where your bulb planting now starts the colourful symphony that emerges the following spring, so it’s a perfect time to start getting creative. Head Gardener Josie Lewis joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share her top list of bulbs to plant this autumn, how many bulbs fill out your space, and we run through the art of the bulb lasagne. In this episode, discover: The irresistibly scented tulips like ‘Orca’ and ‘Hermitage’ which bring with them a splash of colour Josie’s favourite narcissi, including a brand new variety which is as reliable as anything else in the garden A recap on how to structure a bulb lasagne for a beautifully structured pot How many bulbs are ideal for filling out any size of borders or pots Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 15, 2024
When Ed Morrison first discovered the joys of gardening, it spurred him and a number of friends to share that love with the world through what we know now as Roots. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Ed takes us through his fascinating horticultural journey, how we can all stand to learn from his no-dig no-chemical approach, and how anyone can be inspired to start growing at any scale. In this episode, discover: How Ed, like so many of us, captured the joyous spark of gardening during Covid lockdowns The origins of Roots and his ambitions to bring horticultural inspiration to so many sites around the UK Why no-dig gardening is not just vital for the planet, but great for taking care of each others’ spaces too Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Follow Roots: https://www.rootsallotments.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rootsallotments/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 13, 2024
Welcome to the August Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie share their top tips based on your questions every month. For August, we hear how pests can be held at bay from your precious dahlias, and advice for treating the leaves such that they’re looking grand late into the summer season. Sarah also shares some inspiring ideas for giving your garden structure in a year’s time, Josie recalls our best advice for preventing and treating mildew, plus we look at the best way to stop containers from drying out while you’re on your summer holidays. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 08, 2024
Jemima Bowker’s journey into urban gardening is one with which many of us can relate, and having moved into a new space, we’ve a number of wonderful tips for balcony gardeners. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Jemima joins Sarah to share how she’s made the most of both a North and South facing balcony, with inspiring ideas for varieties to thrive in any urban space. In this episode, discover: Jemima’s South-facing balcony, exhibiting the glorious colours of Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’ and Salvia ‘Jemima’s Gem’ The bold, dark-green and purple visage of Plectranthus ciliatus which graces the darker, colder North-facing area Tips to spot whether you’re overfeeding, and on how to breathe life into your own part of a shared or public space Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Products mentioned: Plectranthus ciliatus 'Nico': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/plectranthus-ciliatus-nico Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses' (Scented): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-attar-of-roses Sweet Pea 'Prince of Orange': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-prince-of-orange Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 01, 2024
Just as relay racers pass a baton throughout their race, the many flowers in your garden pass a similar baton between themselves to bring year-round beauty. Plan your year perfectly with Sarah and Josie’s top plants to inspire and captivate, each with their own month in which to shine - learn more as we look at how to nail your succession planning in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: What makes honesty such an invaluable cut flower and filler around the early spring time The most striking combination of dahlias fit for early autumn How to bring the most showstopping scent to July with Sweet Pea Matucana A particular variety of rose which flowers surprisingly late, giving you a pleasant October burst of joy Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, August 01, 2024
Many of us take August as a chance to go away on holiday, which makes this month’s jobs in the garden so vital for keeping life in your flowers while you’re away. This month, Sarah and Josie share just how much watering you should be doing, particularly for thirsty pots, the attention you should give to your borders, cuttings that need taking from cut and come again flowers, and how to build your own organic pest control. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 25, 2024
For the lifestyles that many of us lead, low-maintenance and high performing plants are the perfect combination, for which pelargoniums are an absolute must-have. Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson delve into the very best pelargoniums, highlighting some irresistibly scented varieties too, and share the best tips for propagating them in either your pots or your borders. In this episode, discover: Sarah & Arthur’s standout pelargonium varieties, with picks for scent like ‘Attar of Roses’ to more eye-catching plants like ‘Kewensis’ Tips from Chatsworth on how best to propagate pelargoniums, particularly en masse A stunning recipe for using pelargoniums in a lovely cordial Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Products mentioned: Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses' (Scented): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-attar-of-roses Pelargonium 'Prince of Orange' (Scented): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-prince-of-orange Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 18, 2024
Arthur Parkinson’s urban garden is, like many in more built up areas, somewhat overlooked by neighbours, and perhaps the most natural solution to this is with the help of some gorgeous climbers. In this podcast episode, Sarah & Arthur focus on the varieties of clematis, honeysuckle, and other climbers which look stunning combined with the likes of hazel, corten, or even rebar. In this episode, discover: How Arthur almost-accidentally discovered the way to use coppiced hazel to train clematis upwards A number of favourite varieties as better alternatives to hornbeams for creating privacy and separation Sarah & Arthur’s selection of climbers beyond the beloved clematis, namely the likes of thunbergias and Ipomoea lobata Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Products mentioned: Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-viticella-etoile-violette Clematis 'Madame Julia Correvon': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-viticella-madame-julia-correvon Clematis ‘Blue River’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-blue-river Lonicera periclymenum 'Rhubarb and Custard'®: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-rhubarb-and-custard Akebia quinata (Chocolate Vine): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/akebia-quinata Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thunbergia-african-sunset Ipomoea lobata: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipomoea-lobata-mina-lobata Dahlia 'Night Silence': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-night-silence Dahlia 'Adam's Choice': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-adams-choice Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gif
Bonus · Tue, July 16, 2024
Welcome to the Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for July, where we put your questions directly to Sarah & Josie in this special monthly episode. This month, we’ve some timely questions on the best edibles that it’s not too late to sow, and what we’re harvesting at Perch Hill right now. Josie also gives us a comprehensive look at growing lavender to look its very best, we hear Sarah’s advice on growing sweet peas to have the longest stems they possibly can, and Josie has some fantastic advice on how to keep containers alive, even when you’re away on holiday. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 11, 2024
The UK’s bird population are dearly beloved for their song, as much as their service in keeping slugs and snails at bay, so how can we best provide safe havens for them in our gardens? Adam Nicolson’s next book, Bird School, sees him immersed in what’s best for birds and their important role in our gardens, so joins us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share in his knowledge and journey so far. In this episode, discover: How to cater to different bird species’ needs by picking the right range of food for them Absolute cardinal sins for helping birds, from unhygienic feeders to unprotected bird baths Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 04, 2024
While Andy Murray’s tennis career is well documented, and the Cromlix hotel has brought years of joy for he and wife Kim Murray, the home-grown haven of the garden plays such a huge role in Kim’s life. It’s a delight to host Kim on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week as she shares her experience discovering gardening, what she grows to indulge her artistic creativity, and the local, sustainable roots behind the hotel project. In this episode, discover: Kim’s discovery of gardening, and how it grew into a passionate part of her life How Kim’s creativity means that she uses flowers in different, unique ways The garden’s role in life for Kim, Andy and the family Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Mon, July 01, 2024
Summer is emerging, and with July upon us comes a lovely time to be tending to our gardens, so what needs the most care and attention this month? In this month’s episode, Sarah and Josie prompt you to sow what’s about to go out of season, think about thinning your biennials, take perennial cuttings from the likes of your salvias and pelargoniums, and continue your staking for the inevitable windy days. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 27, 2024
This Christmas might feel a while away, but if there’s one way to prepare right now for a more stunning and sustainable tree, it’s with alliums. Sarah’s love of alliums is well-documented on the podcast, but this week she’s recalling some of the most show-stopping varieties with which to decorate this Christmas, and the joys that they’ll bring as ‘colour baton-carriers’ in spring. In this episode, discover: Which alliums are perfect for bridging the gap between tulips going over and sweet peas emerging Some extravagant, statement-making varieties like the remarkably tall ‘Summer Drummer’ or sculptural shapes of ‘Magic’ Tips for preparing your alliums to sustainably decorate your tree this Christmas Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation Allium cristophii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophii Allium nigrum: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-nigrum Allium stipitatum 'Summer Drummer': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-stipitatum-summer-drummer Allium schubertii 'Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-magic Allium jesdianum 'Purple Rain': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rain Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 20, 2024
Being busy doesn’t bar you from growing vegetables and herbs to bring a homemade joy to your cooking, and there’s few people better-placed to share how than Jess Gough. This week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ episode centres around Jess’ journey into vegetable gardening, how she balances full time work with her thriving smallholding, and tips for keeping snails and slugs away from your seeds. In this episode, discover: Jess’ journey into growing, and how new gardeners can follow her lead in discovering the joys of gardening The absolute stalwarts in Jess’ garden at this time of year A number of delicious recipes, from an exciting frittata to a refreshing rhubarb iced tea How to best prevent this year’s particularly challenging population of slugs and snails from eating your seeds Follow Jess: https://www.instagram.com/happy_smallholding/ Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Pea 'Hurst Green Shaft': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/peas-hurst-green-shaft Broad Bean 'Stereo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/broad-bean-stereo Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 13, 2024
As spring rolls into summer, the kitchen garden offers a bounty of opportunities to use your vegetables and herbs in an exciting variety of ways. This week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ shines a spotlight on six of Sarah’s favourite edibles at this time of the year, as she shares a huge array of recipes, and growing tips to make your edibles taste better for longer. In this episode, discover: Why globe artichokes are such a simple crop to grow, given how prolific and delicious they are The glorious combination of broad beans and parsley in Sarah’s recipe that marries the two alongside nutmeg and bechamel sauce Exciting ways to use some lesser-known herbs with lovage, often used in Ukrainian cooking, and sorrel Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Artichoke 'Violet de Provence': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/artichoke-violet-de-provence Broad Bean 'Stereo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/broad-bean-stereo Parsley 'Gigante di Napoli': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoli Wild Rocket: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-rocket Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, June 11, 2024
Welcome to the Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for June, where Sarah & Josie answer listeners’ burning questions. In June’s episode, it’s the month of roses so we hear from our resident ‘Rose Queen’ how best to maintain them and whether or not they need deadheading. Sarah also shares the harvesting highlights of the edible garden, and we look at how best to maintain all your plants at their peak as we enter the scintillating start of the summer season. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 06, 2024
The careful composition of colour is a particularly joyful part of designing any garden, and choosing the right combination of palettes is among Sarah’s gardening pillars. Whether you’re a new listener to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ or simply need a refresher, this episode is a fantastic foray into Sarah’s four palettes, and how best to combine the standout flowers from each. In this episode, discover: What first drew Sarah’s eye to the dark and rich palette in planting her ‘rebellious’ Oust Garden The qualities that make the ‘boiled sweet’ palette such a joyful injection of colour in even the smallest of spaces A generous selection of favourites from each palette which complement each other beautifully Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-alba Nicotiana sylvestris 'Only the Lonely': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nicotiana-sylvestris Acanthus mollis 'Rue Ledan' (Latifolius Group): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/acanthus-mollis-rue-ledan Tulip 'La Belle Epoque': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-la-belle-epoque Tulip 'Apricot Foxx': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-apricot-foxx Tulip 'Sarah Raven': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-sarah-raven Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Sat, June 01, 2024
June brings us the weather that we’ve been waiting so long to indulge in, so what should we focus on in the garden to help it thrive in the sunlit warmth? In this monthly episode, Josie Lewis shares the biennials you should be sowing to plug next year’s May gap, and Sarah lauds the appearance of rhubarb with a lovely cordial recipe. We also look at a new way that we’ve developed for picking sweet peas at this time of year, how to know when your pots need watering, and what makes this the month of hardy annuals. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 30, 2024
Since we’re still in the joyous wake of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, it’s a perfect time to see the show through the eyes of a newcomer to gardening and explore its greatest lessons. As the leader of our new range aimed at beginner gardeners, and a huge part in our presence at the show this year, Jemima Bowker returns to the podcast this week to share her RHS Chelsea Flower Show experience, and what novice gardeners can learn to brighten up their own spaces this summer. In this episode, discover: Jemima’s perspective as a newer gardener on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s most inspiring highlights The main caveat with nasturtiums which sometimes catches out those sowing them for their easy-to-grow nature What’s perfect for beginners to sow right now for a delightful summer season Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Nasturtium 'Purple Emperor' (Tropaeolum majus): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-purple-emperor Petunia 'Tidal Wave Red Velour' F1: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/petunia-tidal-wave-f1-red-velour Nasturtium 'Ladybird Rose' (Tropaeolum minus): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-ladybird-rose Sweet Pea 'Painted Lady': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-painted-lady Runner Bean 'Hestia': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-hestia Runner Bean 'Polestar': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-polestar Zinnia haageana 'Jazzy Mixture': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/zinnia-haageana-jazzy-mixture Runner Bean 'White Lady': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-white-lady Runner Bean 'Aurora': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-aurora Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: htt
Thu, May 23, 2024
This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been an extraordinary display of floral beauty, and it’s been a pleasure for our hut to have been a part of the show. Fresh from the show, Sarah & Arthur take this week’s special podcast episode to bring you Chelsea’s highlights, and the months-long and years-long stories behind them. In this episode, discover: The joys of the Sarah Raven stand, from balancing practicality and beauty to star-studded visitors like Joanna Lumley and Mel Giedroyc Sarah’s pick of the sights on the main avenue, with gorgeous displays courtesy of Project Giving Back Standout showings from the marquee which particularly caught Arthur’s eye Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Geum 'Totally Tangerine': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geum-totally-tangerine Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gladiolus-communis-subsp-byzantinus Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 16, 2024
May is all about the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and we’ll be bringing the abundant beauty of Perch Hill’s cutting garden to our trade stand. That’s why in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Arthur are taking an exciting look forward to our spot at the show, the hard work it’s taken to prepare, and highlights of what you can expect to see across the week-long spectacle. In this episode, discover: How Adam Nicolson’s magical design is being brought to life at our stand, inspired by our renowned potting shed from 2017 Some of the most stunning varieties we’ll be bringing with us, and the preparation it’s taken to have them ready Gardening tips for those with a small urban space, with particular attention for early-flowering plants Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/calendula-officinalis-indian-prince Calendula officinalis 'Sunset Buff': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/calendula-officinalis-sunset-buff Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-viridis-blue Petunia 'Tidal Wave Red Velour' F1: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/petunia-tidal-wave-f1-red-velour Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, May 14, 2024
Welcome to May’s monthly Q&A podcast, where once again Sarah & Josie chime in with answers to listeners’ burning questions. This time round, Josie shares the key to propagating the stunning Dianthus ‘Green Wicky’, and we explain what you should do with spring bulbs now that they’ve gone over - and it’s not to throw them away! Also in this month’s episode, it’s dahlia planting time and Josie explains how best to plant them in terms of depth and distance apart, and Sarah gives us the comprehensive rundown on what’s being harvested to eat right now. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 09, 2024
The Victorian era gave the horticultural world one of the most charming designs for the cloche, or cold frame - a charm that’s being renewed by the wonderful Beth Gregg. Arthur Parkinson hails Beth as the ‘Goddess of Cloches’ through her faithful revival of those original designs with Claverton Cloches. In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, learn what earns the cloche its spot in any garden, and how Beth breathes new life into an oft-overlooked apparatus. In this episode, discover: Beth’s embrace of Victorian cloche design, and how Claverton Cloches channelled the charm of that era Why cloches are wonderful for protecting seedlings from not only harsh temperatures, but brisk winds The inspiration for Claverton’s different designs, and exciting future with their new garden hose Beth’s appearance at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, sharing the joys of her handiwork Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Claverton Cloches: https://www.clavertoncloches.com/ https://www.instagram.com/clavertoncloches/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 02, 2024
The 4th of May marks a very special day at Perch Hill, particularly this year - it’s 30 years since Sarah and Adam first arrived and started making history here. Perch Hill looks so vastly different to how it began in 1994, as it’s taken shape over the decades, and in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah & Adam share stories from their time here so far, the many phases that Perch Hill has seen, and how the garden in particular has developed. In this episode, learn: How Sarah discovered Perch Hill, and the charming experiences that endeared Adam to it The state in which Sarah & Adam found the garden, and first steps towards bringing it to life in the way that we all know and love today Balancing abundance with structure, and chaos with tidiness through a lens of biodiversity Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, May 01, 2024
With overnight frosts receding, the opportunities in your garden throughout May are among the most exciting all year. For May’s ‘Monthly Jobs’ episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, join Sarah and Josie for a run through the month’s most exciting errands, from planting out half-hardy dahlias and tomatoes, to preparing your pots, and how to handle the influx of slugs and snails.. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 25, 2024
With spring racing onwards, the window in which to plant out your half-hardy seeds is upon us, and it’s a time that should spark joy in the imaginations of veg gardeners. This week on grow, cook, eat, arrange, half-hardy vegetables take centre stage - Sarah takes us through the 6 must-have categories of veg, and shares an array of mouth-watering recipes perfect for the avid kitchen gardener. In this episode, discover: Why this time of year perfectly suits the sowing of your half-hardy seeds Three stellar tomatoes, with a surprise favourite emerging from our most recent taste trials Recipes for all of Sarah’s top half-hardy veg, from the surprisingly savoury to the deliciously healthy Which edible flowers wonderfully complement courgettes in a fritto misto Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Tomato 'Black Russian': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-black-russian Tomato 'Sungold': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-sungold Tomato 'Garnet': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-garnet Cucumber 'La Diva': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cucumber-la-diva Pea 'Nairobi': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pea-nairobi Sweet Basil: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/basil-sweet Courgette 'Romanesco': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/courgette-romanesco Courgette 'Soleil' F1: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/courgette-soleil-f1 Courgette 'Bianca di Trieste': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/courgette-bianca-di-trieste Tulip 'White Valley' syn 'Exotic Emperor': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-white-valley Carrot 'Nantes 5': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/carrot-nantes-5 Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: <a href=
Thu, April 18, 2024
Early May is on its way, bringing a fresh bloom of fragrant and fabulous flowers. It’s this abundance of impact and perfume on which Simon Lycett thrives. His style of floristry is so striking, and one from which we cannot fail but to learn - Simon joins us to share his highlights of the spring season and how you can choose the perfect varieties to create your own stunning arrangements. In this episode, discover: Simon’s recent endeavours with BBC Maestro, creating wonderful guides to decorating with flowers Our favourite garden & cut flowers for early May, with special mention for the absolute must-have Lily of the Valley A unique irrigation tip if your garden is overly abundant with slugs Simon’s top tips for home-grown floristry, and the standout performers he’s been drawn to in recent years Connect with Simon: https://www.instagram.com/simonlycett Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, April 16, 2024
Welcome back to our monthly Q&A podcast episodes for April, where Sarah and Josie answer questions from you, our lovely listeners. In this month’s episode, Sarah turns her attention to sweet peas as she shares how deep to sow seeds, and how far apart to sow them based on our trials at Perch Hill. Also this month, we hear which plants are ideal for planting out in April, particularly those that bring instant impact. Sarah takes us through what seeds should be sown now, from the ornamental garden featuring erigeron to the kitchen garden with kales and flat leaf parsley. Josie also shares a wonderful selection of seeds that are ideal for growing cut flowers in containers, with a lovely mention for the likes of the cosmos sonata series. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 11, 2024
For any organic gardener, companion planting is one of the most essential, rewarding and productive ways to ward off bugs and fungal infections. As the seasons are beginning to turn, it’s a wonderful time to recap the importance and joy of companion planting - Sarah is joined once again by Arthur Parkinson, where we revisit classic combinations, and share some unconventional pairings that you might not have considered. In this episode, discover: The many reasons that companion planting is a fantastic alternative to chemical treatments in the garden Where and how to plant out tagetes for a reliable, much-loved source of protection against green and whitefly Which of the salvias are among our favourites to pair with roses, and when to plant them out The often-underestimated use of basil as a companion plant, making it a perfect partner to tomatoes in the kitchen and garden alike Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Tagetes tenuifoila 'Red Gem': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tagetes-red-gem Tagetes tenuifolia 'Tangerine Gem': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tagetes-tenuifolia-tangerine-gem Tagetes patula 'Linnaeus Burning Embers': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tagetes-linnaeus Salvia x jamensis 'Nachtvlinder': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-x-jamensis-nachtvlinder Sweet Basil: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/basil-sweet Tagetes minuta: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tagetes-minuta Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 04, 2024
For those with a vegetable garden, The Pig’s offering is a source of inspiration and envy among many, all of which thrives under the watchful eye of Group Head Gardener, Ollie Hutson. This week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ brings us a fantastic array of tips and recipes to take from Ollie’s expertise and bring into our own growing and cooking, drawing on a love of the natural world that’s spanned his entire life. In this episode, discover: The Pig’s humble beginnings and the exciting expansion of its gorgeous hotels How Ollie, as Group Head Gardener, approaches the natural world and focuses on creating a ‘25 mile menu’ What to sow in March and April to fill the ‘hungry gap’ in the kitchen garden Some of Ollie’s favourite recipes, taking inspiration from The Pig’s luxury menu Ollie Huston: https://twitter.com/olliehutson85 The Pig: https://www.thepighotel.com/ Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Mon, April 01, 2024
Light levels are increasing and life in the garden is well and truly bustling, which makes this time of year such a joyful one for gardeners! Returning to our ‘Monthly Jobs’ series, this month’s episode sees Sarah & Josie share which flowers and edibles are perfect for sowing at this stage of the year, as well as how to revitalise your whopper pots once the Tulips go over. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 28, 2024
Knepp plays host to one of the most breathtaking rewilding projects in Britain, and from it we can take such inspiration to channel into our own green spaces. Sharing the evolution of the project from its initial thousand species and how you can encourage biodiversity in your garden is Charlie Harpur - Knepp’s Head Gardener joins Sarah this week alongside her husband, Adam Nicolson. In this episode, discover: How much or how little control you should impose on a garden that’s being rewilded Charlie’s work with Tom Stuart-Smith, Jekka McVicar and James Hitchmough Knepp’s work on balancing what each plant provides, not allowing dominant species to run rampant Why we at home should focus on succession throughout the year Follow Charlie: https://www.instagram.com/charlie.harpur/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-harpur/ Knepp Rewilding Project: https://knepp.co.uk/rewilding/ Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 21, 2024
Our Events and Horti Marketing Manager, Jemima Bowker has been gardening for a few years now, and her perspective on the floral world is shared by many a beginner gardener. That’s why this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is dedicated to the 12 flowers that are absolutely essential for newcomers to gardening. From the fast growers to the fragrant showstoppers, this episode is brimming with simple, easy to grow and wholeheartedly rewarding varieties. In this episode, discover: The beauty of sowing Calendulas in gutters for prolific growth from a charming cut-and-come-again flower Linaria Sweeties’ instant impact with their staggering rate of growth and fantastic vase life Why Scabiosa Black Cat holds a special place in Jemima’s list, with its long flowering period and appeal for pollinators How best to treat Icelandic Poppies for a sprinkling of saturation which will last all summer Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, March 19, 2024
Welcome back to the March Q&A podcast episodes, in which Sarah and Josie are once again answering your burning questions. This time around, we’re looking at pinching out seedlings like cosmos, whether they should be pinched out when they’re tall and leggy, and if there are certain seedlings which shouldn’t be pinched. Also in this episode, you’ll discover a short, sweet and stunning selection of Sarah & Josie’s favourite varieties for spring, from Sarah’s beloved amelanchiers to Josie’s must-have narcissi. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 14, 2024
One of gardening’s great joys is sowing from seed, planting out and seeing those seeds thrive, and this year brings a lovely variety of new favourites to sow. Arthur joins Sarah this week as we look at which new stunners and old favourites you’ll want to sow this year, and when to plant out each variety for them to deliver maximum glamour. In this episode, discover: A delicious selection of edibles, from a prolific climbing French Bean to the flavoursome Runner Bean Black Knight The lingering charm of early-sown Cobaea Scandens on Arthur’s windowsill How a charming combination of Zinnias and Seterias The two new, exclusive Dahlias topping Sarah’s list for this spring Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Products mentioned: Cobaea scandens https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cobaea-scandens-purple Climbing French Bean 'Monte Gusto' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/french-bean-monte-gusto Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thunbergia-african-sunset Schizanthus x wisetonensis 'Dr. Badger's Hybrids' Mix (Butterfly Plant) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/schizanthus-dr-badger Zinnia elegans 'Queeny Mixed' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/zinnia-elegans-queeny-mixed Setaria 'Caramel' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/setaria-caramel Dahlia 'Adam's Choice' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-adams-choice Dahlia 'Klara Zak' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-klara-zak Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 07, 2024
Over the course of the podcast, we’ve featured a huge number of remarkable women, inspiring the world in everything from natural-style textiles to award-winning garden design. In this very special episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, we bring you a selection of our favourite clips from previous episodes, shining a light on the fabulous female horticulturalists and entrepreneurs leading the way in the gardening world. In this episode, discover: How a cocktail of herbs from the kitchen garden can transform any meal The female florists that have given us a renewed appreciation for flowers off of their peak Which varieties of flower are among the most beloved for scent, and easiest for newcomers to gardening The stories of the hugely inspirational female entrepreneurs bringing new life to the natural world Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, March 05, 2024
Welcome to the first of March’s Q&A podcast episodes, where Head Gardener Josie Lewis joins Sarah to directly answer questions from our listeners. In this month’s episode, we look at the plant varieties best suited to pots with consideration for both small tabletop and larger floor pots, Sarah & Josie share the Dahlias that they’d most recommend growing from seed, and we discover the perfect plants for varying levels of shade. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Fri, March 01, 2024
Whether you’re growing edibles or ornamentals, March is a busy month for getting into the garden. Building on our ‘Monthly Jobs’ series so far, Sarah & Josie return to share what you should focus on in March. In this month’s episode, learn which of the edible crops are ready to sow out as soon as possible, from your chitted potatoes to your half-hardy veg, discover which flowers need planting and pruning with special care for frost, and much more to keep you busy! Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 29, 2024
The spring and summer ahead of us is a glorious opportunity to let our gardens sing with colours anew, and in this week’s podcast, Sarah & Arthur share how to select the very best for your space. The Spring & Summer Catalogue takes centre stage on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, as we hear about the best brand new collections, some of Arthur’s stalwart favourites, and which of this year’s floral highlights have brought Sarah the most joy. In this episode, discover: Standout flowers that Sarah’s loved last year, like the uniquely textured Dahlia Night Silence A number of gorgeous collections perfect for combining colour palettes in pots and borders The brand new Teucrium variety that’s earned attention for its stunning looks and drought-tolerance A tip that Sarah learned from Sissinghurst which brings the best out of the Everlasting Lilies Collection as cut flowers Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 22, 2024
Trees hold a special place in our ecosystem not only for their environmental impact, but the emotional connection we all make with trees in our earliest years. It’s for exactly these reasons that choosing the right tree can enrich any garden, regardless of size. Arit Anderson and Henrik Sjöman have combined their passions and expertise, culminating in ‘The Essential Tree Selection Guide’, and the pair join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share the joys of finding the perfect tree, and why it matters now more than ever. In this episode, discover: How Arit and Henrik’s backgrounds brought them together on this fantastic project The ethos of ‘right tree, right place’ and how to pick the perfect tree for a space The ‘ecosystem services’ that trees give to us in urban and rural environments alike Trees’ role in all our lives on an emotional level Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, February 20, 2024
Welcome to the next Q&A episode for February, where Sarah & Josie answer even more of your questions for a bountiful spring garden! In this episode, we learn how to split Dahlia tubers once they’ve grown extremely large, round up the best flowers for long-lasting beauty throughout the spring, and touch on the ways to create your own complementary collections of flowers. Be sure to leave your questions in comments across social media for Sarah & Josie to answer in a future Q&A episode. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 15, 2024
Over 380 pots call Perch Hill home, and bring such joy and seasonal splendour, which makes Sarah’s latest book a must-read for anyone hoping to do the same in their own space. Sarah’s joined by Arthur once again on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, this week to share the inspirations behind her love of pots, her simple approach to beautifully combining colour palettes, and the huge range of subjects covered in the book: A Year Full of Pots. In this episode, discover: Why Sarah chose to write on pots, and how she was inspired by Josie and Arthur The four colour palettes that Sarah curates and combines to create gorgeous pot showings Why ‘A Year Full of Pots’ is written in the same, simple to follow format as many cookbooks The range and variety of topics covered within the book Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 08, 2024
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and for those looking to bring a floral flair to their gift-giving this year, Sarah and Arthur’s shortlist is full of delightful ideas. As you’d expect there’s a varied selection of flowers beyond the traditional roses, and other ways to bring joy to your loved ones with mini-landscapes and pins to keep one’s favourite flowers and animals close. In this episode, discover: Why the charm of printing photos is so important to relive fond garden memories Sarah’s ‘from acorns to oak trees’ mantra for gifting seeds like Verbena ‘Bampton’ and Dahlia ‘Bishop’s Children’ The joy in Arthur’s butterfly pin collection and his desire to keep it growing How puzzles are a wonderful way to familiarise yourself with your garden’s wildlife Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Tue, February 06, 2024
Welcome to the first of February’s Q&A podcast episodes, addressing questions directly from our listeners with Sarah Raven and Josie Lewis. Kicking off the month, we’ve a timely question on moving seedlings outside when they’ve been in a window propagator, and Sarah shares her golden rule to prevent sweet peas from developing a ‘gangly’ appearance. We also hear the latest on ‘dahlia gall’, with an abundance of Josie’s expertise on pests and diseases, and tips on how to prevent its spread in your own garden. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 01, 2024
A desirable feature in so many plants is their ability to bring beauty to the garden for as long as possible, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’re focusing on 12 of the very best. From stunning showstoppers to rampant climbers with gorgeous scent, Sarah is joined this week by Head Gardener Josie Lewis to discuss the 12 best long-performing flowers. In this episode, discover: Which shrubs and trees are perfect for making a huge impact with fantastic blossoms The perennial plants perfect for bold splashes of colour like Dahlia Molly Raven, or for a softer display like Erigeron Karvinskianus What makes the truly unique Cobaea Scandens such a fantastic, exotic-looking addition to your garden throughout the year Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, February 01, 2024
Join Sarah Raven and Perch Hill’s Head Gardener, Josie Lewis, for a rundown of February’s essential gardening jobs. In the next of this mini-series leading you through the month’s most important tasks, we run through the flower groups that need sowing soon, how to keep your potatoes growing, and what wildlife to look out for - plus plenty more to keep you busy throughout February! Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 25, 2024
The humble pond is a staggering ecosystem in itself, and supports much of the creatures surrounding it, making any garden pond a wonderful place for wildlife to thrive. Steve Head returns to the podcast this week with a rousing call to action for us all to create our own ponds, great or small. He shares the value they bring, why one shouldn’t be concerned about a pond’s size, and the gorgeous array of flora and fauna that a pond can introduce. In this episode, discover: The essential value that ponds bring to both the ecosystem within them, and the wildlife that uses them How to design a charming pond that best serves wildlife of all varieties Whether your pond drying out is a problem to be prevented, or actually part of a useful cycle Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, January 23, 2024
Welcome back to the latest in our exciting new Q&A podcast episodes, where Sarah and Josie share their expertise on your top gardening queries. This time round, we’re looking at whether it’s safe to move a well-established peony tree without damaging it, and Josie’s curious new revelation for the perfect number of bulbs in any sized container. Get involved with future episodes by posing Sarah and Josie your questions - just pop us a message on the podcast review pages, email or our social media posts, and keep an eye (or ear!) out for Sarah’s response in these regular Q&A episodes. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 18, 2024
Rural life in a farming home owes a great deal to the unsung work of those who support it behind the scenes, a fact that’s captured beautifully in Helen Rebanks’ new book, The Farmer’s Wife. Sarah chats with Helen this week to hear some of the stories woven from the wider farming community’s work, and a few of the book’s recipes, which follow Helen’s refreshingly honest and simple cooking style. In this episode, discover: The inception of Helen’s passion for great, simple recipes Helen’s many touching stories from the book that detail the incredible influence of others in the local farming community How Helen found adoration for the lifestyle of a farmer’s wife, being an utterly vital part of any farming home Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 11, 2024
In the early months of the year, gardeners are faced with particularly challenging weather conditions, requiring care and attention to keep your garden thriving through the frost and snow. This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ centres around the things you can do to keep your garden glowing amid the battering winds and relentless rain - Josie Lewis joins Sarah to share her top tips. In this episode, discover: Why moderate snowfall can actually be useful for protecting against frost How to protect roses from wind-rock Essential pot care through periods of intense rainfall The benefit of not clearing the garden too much in autumn Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Tue, January 09, 2024
We’re excited to bring a new regular series to grow, cook, eat, arrange in 2024 enabling you to ask questions directly to Sarah. Just pop us a message on the podcast review pages, email or our social media posts, and keep an eye (or ear!) out for Sarah’s response in our regular Q&A episodes. In this first edition, Josie joins Sarah to answer the best way of growing sweet peas and why shrubs and hedges have become so popular in recent years. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 04, 2024
Our gardens, humble as they may seem, are among the country’s most important havens for biodiversity, and there are few greater champions for biodiversity than Dr Steve Head. Steve joins Sarah on this podcast episode alongside Adam Nicolson to share how the intermediate level of disturbance that we naturally give our gardens makes them so wonderful for wildlife. In this episode, discover: How Sarah met Steve, and the revelations that he continues to provide her about wildlife at Perch Hill and beyond The various reasons that gardens are so good for cultivating biodiversity What you’re doing for biodiversity when you dig up your ground, and how to know that you’re digging too much or too little The inspiration that Steve derives from a long time heroine of his, Jennifer Owen Why we should all care about insects, pollinators, and our impact on biodiversity Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 04, 2024
Join Sarah Raven and Perch Hill’s Head Gardener, Josie to create your very own check list of gardening jobs to tackle in January. Whether you’re planning your gardening goals for the New Year, or need inspiration to get outside during the winter months, this short, digestible episode provides practical advice on making the most of your outdoor space in January. Sarah and Josie discuss covering rhubarb, pruning fruit trees, sowing early vegetables, order bulbs and cleaning greenhouses and much more! Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 28, 2023
Join Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson as they reflect upon what they cherished most in their gardens this year, and what they’ll explore in 2024 - from sowing more stunning sweet peas, to taking a wonderfully wildlife-focused view on the garden. In this episode of grow, cook, eat, arrange you’ll discover: Sarah and Arthur’s New Year Resolution. The simple pleasure of gardening for health & wellbeing Arthur’s joy of sweet peas. Sarah and Adam’s plans to increase biodiversity at Perch Hill Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 21, 2023
Welcome back to “grow, cook, eat, arrange” and a very Merry Christmas to you all! In this festive episode, Sarah welcomes back Arthur Parkinson to dive into the enchanting world of Christmas decorating. They offer a plethora of creative ideas to bring warmth and joy to your home during the winter months. In this episode, discover: Arthur’s clever use of mirror to double the impact of your decor Sarah’s creative use of Allium heads as Christmas tree ornaments How to create a unique scent using natural ingredients from the garden Techniques for forcing hyacinths indoors to ensure a longer flowering period Sarah & Arthur’s own Christmas seasonal plans! Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 14, 2023
This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is one for the rose-lovers at a time when it’s ideal to start pruning, and there are few voices better suited to weigh in on roses than our own Josie Lewis. Josie joins Arthur this week, as we hear her top tips on growing and pruning, the benefits of companion planting, which varieties have been standout favourites among Josie’s trials, and much more. In this episode, discover: How to tackle the pruning of shrub roses like Timeless Purple and Hot Chocolate Distinguishing features to help tell climbers apart from ramblers Sources of inspiration for Perch Hill’s rose garden Which flowers are fantastic for preventing black spot on your roses when companion planting together The standout varieties that Josie enjoys most, from the timeless series to short climbers like ‘Scent from Heaven’ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 07, 2023
This week’s guest on the podcast is revered for her namesake’s brand, but away from fashion & homeware, Cath Kidston is embracing the aroma of scented-leaf pelargoniums in her new brand, C.Atherley. Cath joins Sarah for a lovely conversation about her new brand, discovery of her favourite pelargoniums, and tips on propagating them in your garden. In this episode, discover: Cath’s discovery of the scented-leaf pelargoniums front and centre of her new brand Top tips for propagating pelargoniums at this time of year Sarah’s 5 rules for taking cuttings from pelargoniums The inspiration behind the name and direction of the new business, C.Atherley Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 30, 2023
This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ centres around not only the charm of gardening for beginners, but bringing that charm indoors with our wonderful guest, Votary & Verden’s Arabella Preston. She takes us through the muses for her nature-inspired beauty and wellness brands, shares how she found the joy of gardening, and which flower varieties are ideal for newcomers. In this episode, discover: The early forming of Votary and Verden, with Arabella’s grounding in nature Arabella’s discovery of the joys to be found gardening Top plants for a new gardener, whether the aromatic Lavender and Jasmine, or the charming White Flower Carpet Rose Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 23, 2023
Pollinators’ role in our gardens is a vital one, and the work being done by Bees for Development is making a global impact for these essential species, and the countries in which they work. Martha Kearney and Nicola Bradbear play a huge role in Bees for Development’s work, and join Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share the extent of their involvement, and how we can all aid the plight of pollinators in our own gardens. In this episode, discover: The origins of Martha and Nicola’s care for pollinators Tips for gardeners to care for bees and other pollinators The importance of experiencing nature from an early age Bees for Development’s remarkable work, and how to support the charity Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 16, 2023
The time to decorate your home for Christmas is cheerily hurtling towards us, making this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ the perfect chance to peruse new decorations. Arthur joins us once more on the podcast as he and Sarah share their joyful highlights from our range, helping you to bring that yuletide sparkle to life both in the garden and within your home. In this episode, discover: The delightful story behind Jonathan Buckley’s ‘Snow Queen’ photo of Sarah at a snow-capped Perch Hill Our trusty, reliable favourites for the garden, from stunning light strings to the annual mainstay of the solar allium stakes How to liven up the Christmas table and tree with the cutest fluffy sheep decorations and beautifully coloured candle collections Inspired last-minute gift ideas for your green-fingered family members Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 09, 2023
Arthur Parkinson’s evocative, elaborate descriptions of plants might be second only to his ability to elicit a charming image of garden pollinators through his drawings. His latest book is a celebration of every single garden, and the plants perfect to create ‘a living dance of lavish colours’ - it’s a delight to have him return to the podcast to share how the new book, Planting a Paradise, was brought to life. In this episode, discover: Arthur’s comfort in delightful drawings as an artistic language to convey his vision The importance of bees, butterflies and pollinators, and which Dahlias are most pollinator-friendly A number of absolute do’s and don’ts for every flower yard Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 02, 2023
Carien van Boxtel’s appearance on the podcast last week was a delightful insight into her incredible eye for naturalising, and she turns that eye this week to woodlands. Joining Sarah once again, she shares her 12 top varieties to naturalise any woodland area, whether you’re longing to walk through aromatic pastures or colourful bursts of productive flower families. In this episode, discover: Carien’s top tips for productive, prolific and pretty bulbs dotted through woodland in the most charming and natural way The flower families to pick for unbeatable aroma, like the gorgeously natural native Bluebell Varieties to plant for more striking colour and structure, like the brilliantly vigourous Dog’s Tooth Violet Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 26, 2023
Bringing the haphazard beauty of nature into your own space is a charming prospect, and Carien van Boxtel has an incredible eye for naturalising grassland. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Carien joins Sarah to share her 12 top bulbs for year-round naturalising - with plenty of bonus varieties along the way - and her three essential tips for perfect planting. In this episode, discover: What makes Snowdrops Carien’s ‘desert island’ flower family for naturalising grass The later flowering, self-seeding perennial joys of Narcissus Carien’s critical tips for planting into meadows and grassland, giving you a bustling, colourful space Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 19, 2023
Few plants can envelop you in your garden with such naturalised beauty as climbers, and there are varieties fit to keep that adventurous atmosphere year-round. Sarah is joined this week by Gary Newell to run through 12 of the finest climbing families, with some old favourites like Cobaea Scandens to newcomers like Mrs Amy Doncaster. In this episode, discover: Features of the stunning Honeysuckles that make them an unbeatable climbing family for spring The autumn time focus on colourful climbers with the sizable Vitis Coignetiae New climbers to our collection with eye catching flair and form Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 12, 2023
We often tout the picturesque beauty of the horticultural world through our favourite flowers on this show, but few can capture a moment with the same artistic flair as accomplished painter, Francis Hamel. Perch Hill features in his latest, utterly captivating exhibition entitled Thirty Gardens, alongside some of our other favourites, and Francis joins us to share just how he captures the enveloping atmosphere of each garden with unparalleled poise. In this episode, discover: What catalysed Francis to paint the garden at Rousham, the starting point for his gorgeous new project The creative process behind each painting, with an approach that allows every garden a chance to exude its most delightful features How the painting process has altered Francis’ perception of what every garden needs Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 05, 2023
Amaryllis are fabulous and unusual additions to the house in winter, but while they’re an absolute must for Sarah Raven, Josie Lewis isn’t quite sold on them. If you’re with Sarah in loving their bombastic beauty then this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ gives you a sizable list to bring into your home. Else if you’re not a fan, then listen up for Josie’s alternative picks, from the watercolour Hellebore of Merlin to the unbeatable mood-lifting Snowdrops. In this episode, discover: Why Sarah fights the corner of Amaryllis, particularly when they’re forced ready for Christmas How to plant your Amaryllis for maximum impact and showy flowers bringing joy to your season Josie’s ideal Amaryllis alternatives, from the showier Hellebores to the more subtle Snowdrops Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 28, 2023
For the keen edible gardener, this September and October present a particularly unmissable opportunity to sow a garden chock full of tasty veg. From the stalwart Lettuce Merveille de Quatre Saisons to the unbeatable hardiness of Flat Leaf Parsley, Sarah parses through all the edibles to share her top 12, with a few bonus veg to boot… In this episode, discover: Four superb lettuces that serve as the perfect foundation for any salad Why Flat Leaf Parsley tops out all other varieties as a perfect pick any time of year A wealth of recipe ideas for the eye-catching Chard Bright Lights or its chunkier relative, White Silver Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, September 26, 2023
There are two things in this world which, when combined, creates one of Sarah Raven’s ideal desserts - Basil Sweet Genovese, and ice cream. In the last of our fantastic cookalong series, we’ll be learning Sarah’s rapid recipe for a lovely basil ice cream, best eaten as fresh as possible, and full of utterly wonderful flavour. In this episode, discover: Why late summer into early autumn is when Basil is at its best How simple it is to make plenty of great tasting basil ice cream Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 21, 2023
Every change of season brings with it an opportunity to renew your garden’s beauty for the year ahead, particularly as we head into autumn. With our autumn catalogue to hand, Arthur Parkinson rejoins Sarah Raven in an episode bursting with imaginative ideas for the year ahead, from later flowering Lilies, to Fratileries that mark the start of spring in style. In this episode, discover: How Arthur’s adorning a new space for hens with an abundance of Narcissi The story behind our uniquely striking Gingersnap Tulip Mix Arthur’s favourite big pots this year, filled with the charmingly compact Little Miss Figgy The most exciting new variety of Tulip in our collection, the long-flowering and wonderfully scented Campbell Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, September 19, 2023
The classic Sunday roast is wonderful as is, but with a simple, effective seasoning using the best the garden has to offer, it’s elevated to an absolute family staple. In the next of our cookalong mini series, Sarah shares the key to a showstopping Sunday meal with a Rosemary and Lemon Chicken recipe, and how the dish harks back to the very best Greek cuisine. In this episode, discover: Why waxy, part boiled potatoes are ideal for flavoursome roast spuds The secret to seasoning your chicken to perfection How Sarah discovered this recipe and made it a family favourite Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 14, 2023
September has brought us a perfect storm of hot weather, warm ground, and cool enough nights for dew to moisten the soil, ideal for germinating seed quickly. That’s why this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ celebrates the supreme ornamental seeds for autumn sowing, whether you’re after the poise of Ammi Majus or the watercolour beauty of Nigella Hispanica. In this episode, discover: Why warm, moist soil in September is perfect for sowing right now The glamourous, tried and tested favourite of Ammi Majus Why Euphorbia Oblongata is curiously misconceived to be completely perennial Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, September 12, 2023
Kale is among the top of the superfoods, and combined with a rich dressing it makes an unbeatable, nutritious salad. In the next of our video cookalong series, Sarah takes us through a recipe that’s just as quick as it is deliciously rewarding. Follow along as we craft a dish with our favourite kales, like Redbor and Nero di Toscana. In this episode, discover: The science behind why kale is one of the healthiest foods you could ever grow Which kale varieties are unbeatable for flavour and texture How to toss a salad delicately so as to not bruise the veg An invigorating combination of ingredients for the perfect dressing Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 07, 2023
There’s almost no more intoxicating feeling in the floral world than catching eyes with a showstopping, undiscovered variety, particularly if it’s a rousing new Dahlia. Fresh back from Holland on a Dahlia-hunting expedition, Sarah Raven and Josie Lewis share the joys of visiting Dahlia breeders, what makes the perfect Dahlia, and what’s on our radar for 2024 and beyond… In this episode, discover: New and exciting varieties being trialled for the Sarah Raven range The joyous moment of discovering new, remarkable Dahlias in Holland How you can cross fertilise you own Dahlias at home Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, September 05, 2023
In the next of our cookalong episodes of the podcast, Sarah turns her attention to a fabulous, versatile summer garden harvest meal - tempura. There’s no better way to use your most varied fresh produce, from baby vegetables to edible flowers and herbs, and it’s perfect for serving 4-6 people at a stunning summer party. In this episode, discover: How to make a perfectly balanced batter, without the egg The extra step of stuffing courgettes that takes this tempura recipe to the next level Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 31, 2023
Tom Stimpson is our Head of Horticulture, and with a fairly compact urban garden of his own he’s got wonderful vision for potted plants with showstopping impact. Join us for ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ as Tom shares his pick of the perennials and annuals which bring simplicity and impact to any urban garden, and the three top varieties he’d never pass-up on. In this episode, discover: Tom’s background in horticulture and the charming urban garden he’s curated A selection of stunning, pot-based perennials like the easy-to-flower Pelargonium Sidoides Which of Tom’s potted flowers are must-haves to bathe any sized garden in uplifting scent Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 29, 2023
Welcome to the first episode of our brand new cookalong podcast series! We’ll be bringing 5 fantastic recipes to life in real time across 5 episodes, starting with a quick and simple gazpacho. These episodes are accompanied by videos on YouTube to see Sarah cook this fresh recipe yourself, but either way you’ll learn how to combine a flavoursome variety of tomatoes and cucumber to indulge in this marvellous dish. Recipe can be found here: https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/all-day-gazpacho Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 24, 2023
Blanche Vaughan’s stellar journey through cookery at top restaurants and becoming a literary authority on creative recipes is absolutely stunning. It’s these experiences that have culminated in her new book, A Year in the Kitchen, boasting seasonal recipes for year-round joy. Blanche offers an insight into her rich background and wonderfully creative recipes in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: Blanche’s remarkable history in cookery & cheffing The move towards evocative recipe writing through her extensive range of books A number of delightful recipes which make such novel, creative use of beloved ingredients Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 17, 2023
While our gaze often falls to flower beds for our appreciation of nature, when we set our sights to the skies, there’s wonderful garden & woodland birds all around us. Having shared the lives and loves of sea birds in his award-winning book, Adam Nicolson’s next literary adventure shares the avian wonders that you’ll find closer to home. Join Sarah & Adam in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a delightful foray into the species behind the songs that fill every joyful woodland walk. In this episode, discover: A charming app to enlighten your walks with bird information on-the-go The sophistication of birds’ alarm calls for dangers like foxes, crows and snakes What we stand to learn from birds about nurturing the natural world around us Our favourite species of bird to look out for in your own gardens and green spaces Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 10, 2023
Since we’ve recently shone a spotlight on the year’s most exciting edibles for food, it’s only fitting that we do the same for drinks, inspiring you with bold and flavoursome tisanes and cordials. Sarah runs through each month and offers up 12 delightful flowers for garden-based drinks, from easy growers like Chamomile and Lemon Balm to absolute classics like Lemon Verbena. In this episode, discover: The deliciously rewarding ways in which you can create garden-grown drinks A recipe which elicits the flavour of Turkish Delight using a favourite Pelargonium of ours, Attar of Roses How drying Chamomile flowers & Lemon Verbena leaves that bloom in summer can provide a colourful blend of teas for the winter season Which of these flowers are easiest to grow from seed Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
Kitchen gardens needn’t be acres and acres - there’ll be many urban gardeners turning window boxes and balconies into extensions of their kitchen. This final episode of our Beginner’s Kitchen Garden Mini-Series is brimming with must-have herbs and veg for the smallest spaces, packing the punchiest flavour and boasting the very best productivity. In this episode, discover: Flat Leaf Parsley’s rightful reverence for its ease of growing, hardiness and everyday picking A climbing Courgette perfect for training up a wall or over an arch How to cook Swiss Chard, which is perfect for compact gardens with its remarkable versatility Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
For those taking pride in their thriving kitchen garden, the biggest threat comes from the blight of pests and diseases… Sarah’s decades of experience defending against the likes of flea beetles, mildew and slugs culminates into this 6th episode of our kitchen garden miniseries, where she’ll prepare you with the tools to keep your herbs and veg flourishing. In this episode, discover: The reason that we avoid direct sowing as much as possible at Perch Hill Garden birds’ role in saving seedlings from slugs, snails and aphids How to make a simple solution using only household items which combats mildew Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
As ideas continue to spring forward for your compact, crop-packed kitchen garden, our podcast mini-series continues with a focus on Sarah’s favourite vegetables. Whether it’s the year-round joy of Swiss Chard or the Sugar Snap Pea Nairobi which is unrivalled in its taste and texture, episode 5 brings a wealth of ideas for both halves of the year. In this episode, discover: What makes Swiss Chard a versatile addition to any kitchen garden Vegetables to provide each half of the year with plenty of variety and delicious flavours The curious symbiotic relationship between eggs and spinach which makes the pairing fantastic for your health Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
At the halfway point in our Beginner’s Kitchen Garden Mini-series there are likely to be an abundance of ideas for what you might like to grow, but leave some room for a daily joy for Sarah - salads. Once again splitting the year into April to August and August to April, this episode of the miniseries ensures that you’re well-stocked for salads all throughout the year, with hardy varieties and unbeatable productivity. In this episode, discover: The 4 varieties to bring hardy flavours and productive salads throughout August to April Varieties of salad suited to the spring and summer months, like the heat tolerant Wild Rocket and long-time favourite Dahlias Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
Whether you’ve space in abundance, or a small garden with little time to maintain it, there’s no reason not to assemble your own superb selection of edibles. Kitchen gardens are for everyone, and Sarah Raven takes this third episode of the miniseries to share the herbs that she’d recommend for absolutely anyone, regardless of space, time or knowledge. In this episode, discover: Why chefs are obsessed with the flat leaf parsley over our curly leaf variety What makes coriander one of the most misgrown plants The best thing to grow if you’re thinking about transforming your Greek food recipes Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
The plant world is awash with floral terminology that might seem baffling at first, but once understood, can open up a world of creativity with flowers. As we continue our mini-series bringing the joys of kitchen gardening to beginners, Sarah takes us through what makes annuals different from perennials, the subcategories of each, and 12 of her top things to grow throughout the year. In this episode, discover: The various types of plants to grow throughout different parts of the year What separates out the herbaceous perennials from the evergreens, the hardy annuals from the half-hardy Why Sarah separates the year into April to August, then August to April, and her top picks for each season Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Mon, August 07, 2023
Welcome to our ‘Kitchen Garden Mini-series” focusing on the very best kitchen garden plants for those just starting to grow their own delicious edible flowers. Kicking off episode 1 of 7, Sarah takes us through the five categories in her hierarchy of which plants to get started with, from the low-effort, high producers to the more elaborate and visually stunning ornamental plants. In this episode, discover: Which cut and come again flowers are the biggest producers, and absolutely essential for any garden The most flavoursome additions to a kitchen garden, like the sweetness of new potatoes or broad beans Varieties of edible ornamentals, or ‘edimentals’ which boast bold flavour and visually gorgeous flowers alike Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 03, 2023
Sarah Raven and Gary Newell share a mutual passion for shrubbery, putting more thought into the ornamental beauty of these structural garden sensations. In our 12 best series, we turn our attention to shrubs - all through the year, these trendy varieties are standout additions to your garden, whether you’re looking for a shrub that’s pollinator-friendly, compact, colourful or grandiose. In this episode, discover: Varieties of shrubs which thrive in wet and dry conditions alike New shrubs like Daphne Perfume Princess which combine strong growing with showy flowers and irresistible scent Evergreens to bring sensational structure all year round Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 27, 2023
With every exciting summer holiday comes the dread of returning to your garden having suffered under the scorching heat, particularly if nobody can water your plants in your absence. That’s why this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Head Gardener Josie Lewis returns to share the absolute heat-beating tips, from the collective power of grouping your pots to the life-saving use of capillary matting. In this episode, discover: How pots collected together around a bucket of water form a remarkable microcosm to keep them cooler Marvellously effective methods of giving plants water in your absence, from capillary matting to irrigation systems Unlikely tips for hanging baskets, involving the use of old socks and shirts The dangers of aminopyralid when buying in mulch Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 20, 2023
As flowers drift in and out of season, so can your palette of edible flowers, bringing you joy in the garden and the kitchen alike. Shining a spotlight on a ‘plant of the moment’ in each month, Sarah Raven takes this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to inspire your year of edible flower growing with her 12 best for flavour and productivity. In this episode, discover: Numerous ways to use your edible flowers, from scattering and tempura-ing, to the art of crafting a flavoured sugar Why April is such an exciting month for edibles, with a focus on the all-edible family of Tulips The abundance of exciting Runner Bean flowers that you should grow for a stellar July September’s irresistible call for Dahlias, and how to use their petals in delicious salads Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 13, 2023
What is the inspiration behind your love of gardening and all things floral? Each of us tells a vastly different story, and that diversity is at the heart of Alice Vincent’s new, heartwarming book. ‘Why Women Grow’ paints a stunning visage of the reasons that women take to the garden, reasons that often are buried deep within the work that they do. Consider Alice’s work the chance to let those stories bloom… We hear a little of Alice’s own muse, the balcony garden plants that allowed her passion to flourish, and a few of the moving stories from her book with such poignance. In this episode, discover: How Alice found inspiration in balcony gardening and nurtured it into an all-encompassing passion Ideal flowers for balcony pots, bringing structure, smell and spectacle to even the smallest of urban spaces The one, deeply insightful question that elicits so many heartwarming stories for Alice to bring to life in her book, ‘Why Women Grow’ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 06, 2023
While the lovely Arthur Parkinson has been away writing and illustrating, both he and Sarah Raven have had a number of green-fingered revelations that are just too good not to share. From a newfound love for the fern Metallicum (best seen at sunrise or sunset), to a new, pollinator-friendly concoction that keeps mildew at bay, this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is an absolute grab bag of ideas and inspiration. In this episode, discover: New standout perennials, shrubs and roses, like the reliable Timeless Purple and velvet glamour of James Mason How to learn lessons from Chelsea, and design your own wildflower garden to look more welcoming than wayward A fantastic new solution which we’ve trialled on Ranunculus here, perfect for preventing mildew The unexpected beauty that bookends Arthur’s days: the silver fern ‘Metallicum’ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, July 06, 2023
A big thank you all of the listeners of the grow, cook, eat, arrange podcast, which has just hit the incredible milestone of 3 million downloads! Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 29, 2023
Hosting a party is made magnitudes more rewarding when you grow the food and decorations yourself, and the Booth sisters joining us this week on the podcast have mastered that art. Jessie and Con Booth share, between their specialities of decorative floral plants and delicious edibles respectively, their 12 top additions to any garden, such that you can grow your own party. In this episode, discover: How the duo combined their complementary gifts into a business of floral decorating and growing Jessie’ favourite floral additions, from the theatrics of Sunflowers to the aromatic joys of Bearded Iris Con’s top edibles, whether they be the juiciest Tomatoes like ‘Costoluto Fiorentino’ or a climbing Courgette like ‘Tromboncino’ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 22, 2023
In Olia Hercules’ book title, she describes the power of food to comfort and connect, and nobody exhibits it in such a captivating way as Olia does. Be inspired by the wonders of world food as one of Ukraine’s most moving and emotive cooks and writers joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, sharing the delights of Ukrainian recipes. In this episode, discover: Olia’s background and journey to discovering the joys of cookery Heartwarming tales of family recipes perfect for you to try at home Recipes to take advantage of bountiful wild garlic from foraging The profound connection you form when you cook with what you grow Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 15, 2023
Behind every Dahlia’s watercolour beauty is a mind-boggling scientific world of floral possibility - who better to share the joys of Dahlia breeding than our very own Josie Lewis. This week we break down the biology behind the beauty, how to germinate your own seeds, and breeding for the perfect Dahlia with stunning colour and fantastic vase life. In this episode, discover: The startling science behind these beautiful plants, like their numerous chromosomes and fascinating transposons How to use the expert knowledge on Dahlia breeding to germinate your own special seeds What to look for in an ideal plant, from height and form to colour and vase life Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 08, 2023
With names like Jamie Oliver under tutorship, Jekka McVicar’s word is gospel when it comes to growing herbs for your own culinary masterpieces. For those of us looking for the simplest start to a herb garden, even in the smallest of spaces, Jekka is a font of knowledge, sharing her 12 best beginner-friendly herbs in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: How to combine herbs together, just as one would ingredients in a cocktail The flavours of herb for a zing that permeates your cooking, an aniseed kick, and much more Why one shouldn’t use hands when planting out Basil seeds among other lovely herbs Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 01, 2023
Almost every day of Sarah Raven’s life involves harvesting, so over the last 30 years or so, she’s worked out the most efficient way to harvest plants and edibles for extraordinary results. Join us on this solo episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ as Sarah shares how to pick salads for remarkably productive edibles, her flower conditioning advice for a long-lasting harvest, and why you should avoid the ‘pick-plonk’ approach at all costs. In this episode, discover: A perfect picking approach for salads, using scissors to cut around the heart Conditioning your pickings for lasting beauty from your cut flowers How bathing your flowers can breathe new life into even the most dire of cut Peonies Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 25, 2023
Sustainable gardening is an essential endeavour in modern horticulture, as we learned with Arit Anderson in episode 119, and one of the easiest ways to create a sustainable garden is through perennializing your bulbs. Sarah Raven takes this week’s solo episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to dive into the beautiful bulbs that can be made perennial, with a particular passion for the high glamour of perennial Tulips. In this episode, discover: Why Tulips are among the greatest flowers to grow sustainably as perennial bulbs A natural recipe to treat your bulbs that’ll help combat mildew How to identify a naturalised bulb Bold, dazzling Tulip varieties from the emotive colours of ‘Artists’ to the standout sculpture of ‘turkestanica’ Tips on how to plant bulbs and surround them for protection from the appetite of squirrels and mice Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 18, 2023
Few people are more passionate about the plight of our precious pollinators than the marvellous Arthur Parkinson, and National Bee Day poses a perfect time to consider how we can all care for them. In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, we’re taking you through the entire year and which are the finest, nectar-rich flowers to bring a lively buzz to the garden throughout every season. In this episode, discover: The perennial beauty of Iris Reticulata, with its silky, suave blues Early summer Roses to lift the mood and attract the buzz of pollinators in their masses Hardier flowers ideal for the later months, like Arthur’s oft-mentioned Cardoons A sneak peek at what to expect from Arthur’s next book, The Flower Yard 2 Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 11, 2023
Arit Anderson is an award winning garden designer, TV presenter, and an unrelenting wave of joy who shares Sarah Raven’s love of Chelsea Flower Show. With the show next week, who better to join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a Chelsea special than a woman whose history of design in fashion and gardening has drawn from the gorgeous annual displays of chromatic wonder. In this episode, discover: Arit’s illustrious history in flowers, fashion, events management, and how they led into the gardening world Growing into television and garden design through Gardeners World and other wonderful media appearances The charming collaborative nature of Chelsea Flower Show and all who share their talents at the event Chelsea’s cultural impact on horticulture and world-leading sustainability initiatives Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 04, 2023
Tricia Guild is a name needing little introduction, her Designers Guild brand being an ensemble of aesthetic delights akin to that of the fast-approaching Chelsea Flower Show. Sharing her love of the show, and design ethos both in her work and the garden, Tricia joins us for an episode of the podcast laden with tips to bring your space to life through a lens of selective beauty and impact. In this episode, discover: The joys of Tricia’s London garden, adorned as any room of the house would be, with care and coordination Flowers fit to bring the richest blues and boldest greens to your garden Which of the plants in Tricia’s Italian garden are perfect for heat resistance, ideal for our warmer summers The delights of Chelsea Flower Show, and why selective choices often create the most striking of displays Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 27, 2023
The connection between art and the natural world is utterly entwined, and seldom is it seen more beautifully in the craft of block printing than through Molly Mahon’s eyes. Her gorgeous designs draw upon the inherent beauty of flowers, particularly dazzling, bold Dahlias - an inspiration which Molly will soon bring to Perch Hill with an exciting course in June. Until then, enjoy a heartwarming chat on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ as she shares her passion for creative crafts and the true joy that it brings. In this episode, discover: Molly’s multidisciplinary creative upbringing, from her father in the garden and mother in table-based crafting The sheer joy that the block printing process can bring How Molly styles block prints with colour palettes akin to the bold, bright hues of a captivating garden Favourite flowers to rouse the senses and bring inspiration to new creations Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 20, 2023
Not every garden is bathed in sunlight at all hours of the day, so finding shade-loving flowers is a must for anyone looking to illuminate their shaded areas with a splash of colour. Josie Lewis returns once again to the podcast, this week sharing her love of flowers and ferns that thrive with little light, from the cool, composed beauty of Frosted Ferns to the must-have Sarcococca. In this episode, discover: The likes of Nicotiana Sylvestris and Grandiflora, fragrant providers of joy throughout the day Josie’s favourite ferns, like the Frosted Fern and the Shuttlecock Fern, structures bustling with beauty Fiery flowers like Begonia Glowing Embers, a stunning variety which Sarah considers nearly indestructible Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 13, 2023
The King's coronation will soon be upon us, and given his love of nature, it seems apt to consider the flowers that might best commemorate the occasion. Returning to the podcast with a spectacular selection of plants in regal colours aplenty is our Senior Horticultural Buyer, Gary Newell. Join us for our 12 best Flowers fit for a King's coronation. In this episode, discover: Glamourous golden flowers for instantly shimmering arrangements The perfect plants to most graciously combine the Union Jack's red, white and blue A number of easy mixes from our range to most simply bring together complementary flowers Why the vigourous Rudbeckia Enchanted series are right at the top of Gary's list Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 06, 2023
The utterly wonderful, incomparable Arthur Parkinson has been away writing his new book, so it's a delight to have him return to the podcast to tell us all about it! The original ‘co-conspirator’ of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ joins Sarah once more to detail the heartfelt inspiration behind Chicken Boy, how he found the inspiration to form a bond with hens, the dangers to look out for if you’re starting out yourself, and so much more. In this episode, discover: How Arthur’s natural affinity for hens began and grew The strong connection to Chatsworth, Deborah Devonshire and their poultry fancying Guiding our thinking around designing plants and gardens with animals in mind What to consider around the villains and vermin to keep your hens safe The sometimes-harsh reality of hen keeping Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 30, 2023
One of the greatest treasures that a garden can bring us is the cut flower, and with a fine selection of perennials and woody plants, that treat returns to us year after year. That’s why this week’s podcast guest, the wonderful Rachel Siegfried, shares her penchant for perennials throughout her work, and in her new book - The Cut Flower Sourcebook. Tune into this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a fabulous list of the 12 most inspiring perennial plants, and how to structure a showstopping arrangement. In this episode, discover: A brief history behind Rachel’s delightful flower farm, Green & Gorgeous The simple, yet wonderfully effective four-part structure into which she divides arrangements Reliable framework and filler plants like Rosa Glauca and Snowberry upon which to build your displays Focal flowers, showstoppers and accents to breathe life and add movement, like the always stunning early Peony Buckeye Belle Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 23, 2023
The limit to your imagination extends far beyond the size of one’s garden, particularly with the cut flowers that award-winning garden designer Butter Wakefield adores most. Butter returns to the podcast with more than a smorgasbord of stunning flowers compact enough to fit in the smallest of gardens, but captivating enough to make the most monumental impact as a cut flower. In this episode, discover: The bold bulbs of Daffodil Jetfire and subtle beauty of Avalanche Why the Dahlias of Rosie Raven, Lou Farmen and Josie are among those which most wildly capture Butter’s adoration David Austin’s majestic roses accompanied by the most delightful fragrance A border must-have with flowing cascades of purple flowers - Salvia nemorosa Caradonna Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 16, 2023
Our olfactory system elicits some of the strongest emotions we can feel, so the scent of a garden should be at the forefront of your mind when planning your garden - as it is for the wonderful Jo Fairley. Jo edits The Scented Letter, a quarterly magazine focused on fragrance, which makes her a perfect guest on the podcast to share the 12 most evocatively scented plants, from the strong fragrance of Trachelospermum to stalwart Sweet Peas. In this episode, discover: The personal history with Scented Geraniums that makes them one of Jo’s most beloved, aromatic plants Which of the Roses are absolute essentials for smell, and why Jo would never plant a Rose without scent Jo’s love of Sarcococca’s incredible growth, bold structure, and fragrant leaves Plenty of book recommendations to inspire you with many more scented plants Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 09, 2023
Sowing tomatoes should be right at the top of your list for the month ahead, with the joy they bring to a garden and the remarkable variety in taste. Whether it’s the small and mighty Noire de Crimee or the ever-reliable flavour of Sungold, this week’s episode of the podcast brings a wealth of advice for growing your own. In this episode, discover: The standout tomatoes that’ll bring joy to your garden and plate, from the stripy Tigerella to the unbeatable taste of Sungold Charming combinations for companion planting to keep your tomatoes in good health The remarkable results you can see by growing tomatoes in a ring culture pot A whole raft of recipes to use your produce in such varied and utterly delicious ways Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 02, 2023
Wood is wonderful in the garden, and can be both beautiful and useful to create fencing, arches and posts in such a way that cares for the environment around us. If you’re still using the likes of imported bamboo in your space and need inspiration for alternatives, Adam Nicolson joins Sarah once again on the podcast to share how locally grown, coppiced wood can be so fantastic for you and for the world. In this episode, discover: The near-zero environmental cost of using the wonderfully pliable birch Which trees are the most useful for absorbing more carbon, and how to best treat them A fascinating history of why chestnut is so prevalent in this part of the world How to coppice wood, and the true impact of coppicing on carbon absorption from our trees Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 23, 2023
Beside the visual splendour of a thriving vegetable garden, there’s such joy to be had from picking your own delicious ingredients. At a perfect time to coincide with Sarah’s new book, she takes this solo episode to share a fantastic list of the 12 absolute best vegetables, from flavoursome essentials to the simplest, most cut-and-come-again veg for all seasons. In this episode, discover: Several of the most prolific, cut and come again veg from Mizuna and Rocket to the versatile Swiss Chard Varieties of Kale for the patient gardener or those looking for a quick grower A duo of tomatoes befitting of any garden alongside what Sarah dubs ‘the perfect cucumber’ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 16, 2023
Gardening is for everyone, even the busiest among us. That’s why we’re focusing on the very best plants that’ll not only look after themselves, but truly thrive by doing so. Sarah is once again joined on the podcast by Gary Newell, our Senior Horticultural Buyer, this time to discuss the lowest maintenance plants, from the ground cover of Geranium Rozanne to the pot-worthy Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’. In this episode, discover: How the marvellous Lonicera 'Rhubarb and Custard' looks after itself and stays both fresh and scented A splendid Hydrangea which has repaid Gary each year without fail since he first planted it The constant productivity of Rosemary, and how it’s a perfect plant for culinary use, hedging and screening alike Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 09, 2023
There’s nothing quite like finding a perfect companion, and in the plant world, companion planting could be the difference between aphid-affliction and the healthiest horticulture. Our Head Gardener at Perch Hill, Josie Lewis, joins Sarah once again on the podcast to share the essential flowers to underplant for thriving Roses, a garden full of pollinators, and wonderful performing Tomatoes. In this episode, discover: Which of the Salvias are perfect for keeping Roses looking their Sunday best How the likes of Tagetes Minuta and Burning Embers are ideal to combat Whitefly issues in your greenhouse The best, aromatic Basil to pull the pollinators into your garden How to create Comfrey Tea Sodium Bicarbonate spray and Garlic spray for preventing mildew Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 02, 2023
The beauty of floristry is its ever-moving, transient nature, and that makes your philosophy around flower growing and arranging all the more impactful. As Anna Potter knows better than anyone, that philosophy can evolve, expand, and lead you to some fantastical floral discoveries. Returning to the podcast this week, Anna shares some of the projects within her new book that can spark inspiration in your own gardening endeavours. In this episode, discover: The shift in Anna’s philosophy around plants since she last joined us for episode 11 How to create a gorgeous wreath which, while fleeting, brings such bold and beautiful joy Why we should embrace the moving, flowing nature of Peonies rather than attempt to constrain them Tapping into the childlike charm of creating a Mandala Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 26, 2023
Returning to the podcast this week is the wonderful Jane Scotter from Fern Verrow, as we set our sights on the turn of spring and which edibles you can sow soon to bring incredible taste into your garden. Whether it’s the reliable flavours of Tomatoes like Gardener’s Delight, or rich taste of Cima di Rapa, you’re bound to be inspired with edible plants perfect to start planting right now. In this episode, discover: Jane’s history with Skye Gyngell, and how she’s so innovative with the use of veg in her recipes Varieties of salad leaves and rocket for all temperatures How to fill the cut flower gap with lovely Stocks like Apple Blossom Create Academy is offering Sarah Raven listeners 15% off across all gardening courses, including Jane Scotter's new course 'How To Grow Exceptional Produce'. To redeem visit www.createacademy.com and enter code 'SARAHRAVEN15' at checkout. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, January 24, 2023
The first hard frost of the year signals a time to prepare for the winter ahead, and there are a few essential steps you can take to protect your bulbs and encourage tender perennials to become hardy. From spotting which varieties need to be brought inside first, to using bubble wrap, burlap or fleece to wrap larger pots, Sarah brings us a step by step guide to beating the hard frost in this bonus episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: The least frost-hardy flowers which will need to be brought inside first When to mulch for effective insulation against frost How to protect larger, immovable pots by wrapping them with bubble wrap or fleece Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 19, 2023
With a new year comes boundless possibilities for your veg garden, and there are so many vegetables that truly thrive in cold, wet conditions which are often overlooked. We’re just a few weeks away from the release of Sarah’s new book, aptly named ‘A Year Full of Veg’, which makes this an ideal point to look at the inspiration behind the book, and of course share some essential edibles for the year ahead. In this episode, discover: The inspiration for Sarah’s latest book, and how it came together Sarah's adoration for easy, productive, cut and come again veg Companion planting flowers which keep the garden healthy and thriving How to create a gorgeous, sculptural veg garden without the use of bamboo cane supports Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Veg: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-ravens-a-year-full-of-veg Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 12, 2023
The size of a garden need not limit its impact, and in this week’s podcast we hear from award-winning garden designer Butter Wakefield as she shares how to bring a spark of inspiration to small spaces. Whether you’re looking to rethink scale, scent, lighting or layout, Butter brings us a dizzying array of tips for bringing a garden to life. In this episode, discover: Marvellous ideas to bring scale, privacy and structure to a garden How warm lighting and well-placed mirrors can make even small spaces feel grandiose Tips for vertical emphasis, patterns, and borrowing from your surroundings to extend your garden’s impact beyond its walls Follow Butter: https://www.instagram.com/butterwakefield/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 05, 2023
Not all of us are afforded the space to plant everything our heart desires, so we’ve brought our wonderful Head Horticultural Buyer, Gary Newell, onto the podcast to share the best flowers for compact spaces. There’s a choice in this episode for everything one might need, whether it’s to bathe your space in scent, long-flowering bee magnets, or simply the most extravagant standout Dahlia for its size. In this episode, discover: The guiding principles behind Gary’s scintillating small garden designs How to build layers with year-round interest from tree cover, sub-shrubs and dazzling potted plants Dahlia Waltzing Mathilda’s bold beauty and why Sarah always pairs it with the regal red Petunia Tidal Wave Red Velour Gary’s absolute favourite flower families for gorgeous ground cover Follow Gary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-jay-newell-14019137/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 29, 2022
2022 is finally drawing to a close, and as many begin their list of new year’s resolutions we’re making our own commitments at Perch Hill, especially around our exciting carbon and biodiversity research. Sarah Raven & Adam Nicolson share the findings, bring us some enlightening tips on how we can all reduce carbon emissions in our own gardens, pick out top garden-worthy plants to provide seeds for birds, and chat about how we’re preparing for the exciting year ahead. In this episode, discover: Sarah’s top plants to provide for pollinators & birds, and bring an uplifting buzz to your garden The eclectic agricultural mix that Adam scatters to encourage biodiversity among wildlife New thinking around the effects of methane in the atmosphere The surprisingly drastic impact on reducing carbon that we can create in our own gardens Why ill-kept bird feeders might actually be surprisingly harmful Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 22, 2022
In each of our gardens resides such potential to create a haven for all-important pollinators, and there’s no stronger advocate than the wonderful Dave Goulson. A returning guest on the podcast, this week we hear from Dave as he and Sarah run through the 12 most magnificent plants for pollinators, whether you’re seeking compact varieties or an extravagant, long-lasting pollen cafe. In this episode, discover: The overlooked virtues of earwigs and how they fight off aphids Dave’s marvellous research work on protecting pollinators New, pollen-providing varieties which are more compact and long-lasting Dazzling Dahlias, Ammi and Foxgloves perfect for attracting a bumblebee ballet to your garden Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Dave Goulson: https://www.instagram.com/dave.goulson/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 15, 2022
Whether your idea of the perfect Rose is a prolific climber like Scent from Heaven, or a compact burst of colour like Josie Lewis’ favourite Hot Chocolate, no garden is complete without a Rose. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ signals the start of a new format highlighting the floral flag bearers of each family, starting with Sarah & Josie’s top Roses, and a number of upcoming standouts from our recent trials. In this episode, discover: Exciting new discoveries from the latest rose trials at Perch Hill The most prolific roses for picking and vase life Varieties that bring angelic scent in a walled garden Tips for bare root planting for those giving or receiving roses this Christmas Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 08, 2022
Gardening sustainably with consideration for the world around us needn’t be a chore - there’s so much opportunity to be creative when you ditch floral foam and embrace natural design. Well Shane Connolly is no stranger to naturalising his arrangements, nor is he a stranger to the podcast! Shane returns to share his highlights of 2022, how you can add some sustainable flair to your Christmas table and some lovely ideas for a spectacular wreath. In this episode, discover: Shane’s natural designs and how he composes a compelling sense of place The building blocks of sustainable floristry, from focusing on compostable materials to using the world around you How to create a gorgeous, sustainable wreath for your door and decorations for the tree and table this Christmas The need to move past using oasis, and which alternatives we can use instead Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 01, 2022
For 20% off your order at https://www.sarahraven.com/ , use the code ‘PODCAST20I’ at checkout before 9th December. There’s an endearingly nostalgic aspect of growing Sweet Peas that makes them a lovely addition to a garden, and rarely are they found to be so intoxicating as they are at Easton Walled Garden in Sweet Pea Season. The myriad of varieties are among the many lovely aspects of the staggering garden, which has been developed over many years through the hard work of Garden Director Ursula Cholmley. We hear from Ursula how they’ve made their mark without enforcing a narrative on the garden, created beds full of showstopping Sweet Peas, and brought towering varieties of Roses to their meadows. In this episode, discover: The story behind Easton Walled Gardens’ lengthy heritage, and the work that it took to create the spectacle that it’s become Which Sweet Pea varieties stand out in their spectacular garden, from the likes of Toffee Apple to Winston Churchill How to tell the perfect time to harvest your own Sweet Peas The marvellous Rose Meadows that come alive in summer Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 24, 2022
For 20% off your order at https://www.sarahraven.com/ , use the code ‘PODCAST20H’ at checkout before 2nd December. There are certainly many who wish they could have a bustling garden, but lack the time for constant upkeep and maintenance. That’s where self-seeding perennials shine… Achieving a beautiful, long-lasting border doesn’t have to take a world of effort with varieties like the gorgeous Japanese Anemones or stalwart Salvia Amethyst Lips. Hear how Arthur is looking to adorn his brother’s garden with low maintenance, glamourous and easy perennials in this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: Perfect plants for those looking to fill their garden with lower maintenance varieties Gorgeous grasses that make wonderful cuttings for the Christmas table, or retain their gentle prowess in a breeze Our favourite self-seeding Roses for long-performing beauty and resilience to mildew and black spot Why Japanese Anemones thrive on neglect, making them an ultimate and unique addition to shady areas of your garden Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Tue, November 22, 2022
With plenty of rain forecast and the threat of storms being a blight for gardening, there are a few things you can do to firm up against the threat of extreme rain and winds. In this bonus episode of the podcast, Sarah shares a few garden-saving tips, from choosing the right flowers that thrive in moisture for the right place in your garden, using bales and hedges to break up harsh winds, and more. In this episode, discover: The brilliance of a well planted hedge or straw bale to break up extreme winds Which delicate plants are vital to keep inside Choosing the right plant for the right place in the garden Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 17, 2022
While the smaller, delicate beds can often top off a lovely garden, it’s shrubs, trees and climbers which can often add the most architectural structure and a real sense of scale. Some are great for reaching staggering heights, others for their role as a prolific perfume factory - join Sarah and Arthur as they share their pick of shrubs, trees and the climbers that can often intersperse them for a rich dash of colour. In this episode, discover: Which Crab Apple trees are fantastic for attracting the intoxicating buzz of wildlife Lovely varieties of Honeysuckle, and other scented shrubs for structure and architecture Staggering, cascading climbers for unparalleled height, like the stalwart Cobaea Scandens Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 10, 2022
For those trying to encourage kids to appreciate and embrace nature, grow their own fruits and vegetables, and learn to use them in simple recipes, Julia Parker is nothing short of an absolute authority. The co-author of The Little Grower’s Handbook joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share her exciting journey, the inspirations behind many of the book’s staggering recipes, and easy tips for growing and cooking your own veg. In this episode, discover: Julia’s illustrious journey and passion for growing fruit & veg Highlights from Julia’s latest book, from the inspirational use of gutter pipes to her marvellous Eton Mess Ice Cream cake Sarah & Julia’s favourite peas and potatoes, with top tips for growing spuds in containers A huge variety of delicious recipes to try at home, some that can be done in just 5 minutes Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Fri, November 04, 2022
For 20% off any Christmas order, be sure to use the special offer code ‘XMAS22MINI’ before the 30th November at https://www.sarahraven.com/ . The best part of Christmas might be the presents, but in close second is the mouth-watering prospect of an extravagant Christmas dinner. Rounding off the Christmas Mini Series of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ with a smorgasbord of festive recipes, Sarah’s joined for a hilarious food chat with two reputationally un-foodie people - husband Adam Nicolson and Arthur Parkinson. In this episode, discover: Arthur, Sarah and Adam’s elaborate and utterly delicious dream Christmas meals Cream Falls: Adam’s cholesterol-laden, indulgent recipe for a huge mince pie with double cream The secret to a scrumptious Boeuf Bourguignon A whole range of recipes to try at home, from simple, delicious Blinis to Sarah’s extravagant coffee, meringue and pomegranate cake Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Fri, November 04, 2022
For 20% off any Christmas order, be sure to use the special offer code ‘XMAS22MINI’ before the 30th November at https://www.sarahraven.com/ . Christmas tree decoration is an annual event in which your efforts can elevate the charm of your lounge, and what better way to decorate than with nature’s finest floral offerings. Whether you prefer staggering Alliums or the standout beauty of Strawflower, learn how you can create unique decorations and make them last this Christmas. In this episode, discover: Which mixes of flowers exude class and spectacle when adorning your Christmas tree Wonderful uses for mirrors, lights and branches to create dazzling decorations in any size of room Unique ways to use height in decorations and still keep your floor space uninterrupted How to make your natural decorations last twice as long Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Fri, November 04, 2022
For 20% off any Christmas order, be sure to use the special offer code ‘XMAS22MINI’ before the 30th November at https://www.sarahraven.com/ . At Christmas, every single surface presents an opportunity for creativity and decoration, and the Christmas table is no exception. From the subtle, sophisticated beauty of dried Honesty to more inventive combinations of flowers and fairy lights for more flair, Sarah & Arthur run through some of their most exciting table decorations. In this episode, discover: Arthur’s use of dried Honesty pods to create regal vase decorations Sarah’s idea to create a natural candle base with lovely pomegranates Creative ideas to combine stunning Alliums with spectacular copper wire fairy lights Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Fri, November 04, 2022
For 20% off any Christmas order, be sure to use the special offer code ‘XMAS22MINI’ before the 30th November at https://www.sarahraven.com/ . Welcome to the ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Christmas Mini Series, a series of episodes to inspire your festive season with ideas to bring the outdoor garden glamour into your celebrations. Sarah & Arthur kick off with an episode around something which completes every home, a wreath for the door. It’s a chance for creativity and expression, even when thinking sustainably and foraging for many of your decorations. In this episode, discover: Ways to see decay as beauty and bring a brown colour palette to life Which evergreen plants can accentuate a wreath with scent and spectacle Sarah & Arthur’s top five go-to flowers for wreaths this Christmas season Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 03, 2022
Since we’ve had such a hot, drought-ridden summer, the value of a pond is greater now than ever - perhaps even more valuable for plants and wildlife than a wildflower meadow. Between the lovely beaches from which insects and mammals can safely drink, the rich colour of moisture-loving plants, and the universal charm of Water Lilies, there are so many reasons to create a lovely water feature in your garden. In this episode, discover: How valuable a pond can be to insects and mammals alike Tips for nurturing happy water lilies and how to keep algae at bay Gorgeous Water Lilies like Perry’s Magnificent Pink, and water-loving plants for pond edges like Iris Black Gamecock Sarah & Arthur’s love of Chatsworth’s delightful self-seeded Water Forget-Me-Nots and Candelabra Primulas Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 27, 2022
Christmas is nearly upon us, and within our winter catalogue lies a myriad of heart-warming gifts and superlative decorations, whether given to loved ones or a present to yourself. Sitting down with the Christmas Catalogue for 2022, Sarah & Arthur pick out their favourite decorations, the most exquisite lights, and a few stellar potted plants to fully embrace the Christmas spirit this year. In this episode, discover: Our illuminating offerings of light-laced garlands Decorative ornaments inspired by Sarah’s love of Scandinavian style Perfect potted plants to gift loved ones for Christmas growing in their homes Exquisite baubles with which your tree can spring into life Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 20, 2022
There’s almost nothing better to battle the bleakness of winter than forcing bulbs indoors - it brings us such vigour and colour, and it’s far simpler than one might expect. Whether you’re looking to force bulbs in the home or the greenhouse, West Dean’s Head Gardener, Tom Brown, is a font of knowledge on the subject. It’s a delight to hear from him again on the podcast, this time around his exciting trials with Hyacinths & Amaryllis, and some of the more exotic bulbs like the colourful, cascading Lachenalias. In this episode, discover: Advice on forcing bulbs, which varieties need a cold spell, and the need to be unnervingly sparing when watering Fantastic early Hyacinth bulbs to bring a sophisticated sense of nostalgia into the home Bumper-sized bulbs of Amaryllis which continue giving year-on-year Tom’s favourite varieties, from the rich beetroot of Hyacinth Woodstock, to the showy, bombastic Lachenalia Aloides Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Tom Brown: https://www.westdean.org.uk/study/tutors/tom-brown https://www.instagram.com/tombrowngardener/?hl=en https://twitter.com/headgardenertom?lang=en View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 13, 2022
While the concept of a bulb lasagne is straightforward enough - simply planting layers of bulbs in a single pot - a thoughtful composition of colours in such proximity can be truly rousing. Now is the ideal time to get planting, and if you’re looking for inspiration then this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah & Arthur share the standout bulbs they’ll be planting in their recipes, what makes double peonies perfect for a lasagne, and tips to create your own gorgeous combinations. In this episode, discover: How to structure the layers of a bulb lasagne for cascading, bombastic beauty What makes double peonies not so great for pollinators, but utterly brilliant for bulb lasagnes Sarah & Arthur’s pick of the Tulips, Narcissi and Crocus to bring scent, structure and glamour Tips on how you can design your own bulb lasagne recipes and make sure the colour combine to make an elegant ensemble Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 06, 2022
You’d be hard pressed to find a name more iconic in the gardening world than the incredible Alan Titchmarsh, so it’s an honour and a privilege to host him on this week’s delightful episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. We’re focusing this episode around Alan’s love of Tulips and their sculptural purity, divulging varieties from the naturalised to the bombastic, and touch on some other absolute must-have bulbs. In this episode, discover: Alan Titchmarsh’s pick of the Tulips, with varieties from the subtle to the spectacular How growing Tulips in pots can bring the majesty of a growing bulb into the home Marvellous naturalising Tulips, like Spring Green and Queen of Night Stories of Alan’s amazement with the incredibly geometric Snake’s Head Fritillary and wild Snowball Follow Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alantitchmarshmbe/ Order Alan’s new book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardeners-Almanac-Treasury-Inspiration-through/dp/1529389410 Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 29, 2022
When the petals are urging to fall off the flowers that have brought your garden colour for so long, they’re perfectly poised to bring a new lease of life to fabrics as dye. Finding this new use for plants has given the act of gardening a renewed lease of life for Tania Compton - the renowned garden designer joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share the joys of dyeing fabric with plants, and how you can start your plant dye journey. In this episode, discover: Which scintillating combinations of plant and fabric combine to create stunning dyed creations The massive effect of heat on how a dye will turn out Where & how you can learn to create your own gorgeous dyes through courses and books Follow Tania: https://www.instagram.com/taniacompton/ https://www.taniacompton.co.uk/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 22, 2022
There’s a long road before we bring our favourite Dahlias to the catalogue, and having just returned from the Netherlands it’s a lovely time to delve into how we pick the finest Dahlias we trial. Sarah’s joined once again by her husband, writer Adam Nicolson, to share the journey, characteristics we’re breeding for, and some stunning new varieties that we’re preparing for the Spring 2024 catalogue. In this episode, discover: The long, arduous journey each Dahlia variety takes before it becomes a part of our catalogue Adam’s delight at the process and the tender care on display from the breeders New, stunning varieties that we’ve been trialling ready for release in a few years’ time Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 15, 2022
The sheer beauty of Heckfield Place’s gorgeous luxury accommodation is matched by their dedication to the inspiring biodynamic farm, managed wonderfully by Head Market Gardener David Rowley. As we look ahead to the winter months, David shares the tastiest vegetables they’ll be sowing in the next month, which ornamentals’ growth is spurred on by autumn sowing, and the marvellous biodynamic ethos that delivers rousing flavour from their edibles. In this episode, discover: David’s discovery of biodynamics, and how it’s used at Heckfield Place The delicious veg being sown right now, planning for the coming months of low light Top edibles and ornamentals to sow in the next month, from quick and easy Rockets to pollinator-friendly Fennel How autumn sowing beautiful ornamentals like Ammi Majus can bring staggering growth Heckfield Place https://www.heckfieldplace.com/ David Rowley https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-rowley-117315119/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 08, 2022
Every year at Perch Hill we trial some of the most promising flower families in search of the most spectacular, scented, showstopping varieties, and in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’re bringing you a sneak peek. Hear from Sarah & Arthur about some of the best performers and most dazzling prospects, from the prolific Rudbeckias in the Enchanted series to the gorgeously aromatic Sweet Pea Amelia Fox. In this episode, discover: Which of the flowers being trialled now are captivating Sarah & Arthur most The new modular rubber seed tray which is ideal for handling young plants Recent trial standouts, like the staggeringly productive Rudbeckia Enchanted Night to the colour-rich, sweet-scented Sweet Pea Windsor Sarah & Arthur’s pick of the mints, and top tips on repotting them for maximum flavour Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 01, 2022
Tomatoes have proven to be one of the most versatile edibles you can grow, and very few people have such unbridled passion for them as Claire Thomson and Sarah Raven. Claire’s latest book - aptly named ‘Tomato’ - contains a staggering number of recipes, and the best-selling author joins Sarah to discuss her favourite, delicious tomato-based dishes, innovative ways in which to cook them, and standout varieties. In this episode, discover: Claire’s journey of culinary discovery, learning the versatility of tomatoes Fantastic uses for tomatoes in butter chicken, burnt tomato salsa, and so many more Top tomato varieties, whether tinned or fresh, and how the tomato’s shape & size can influence your cuisine Incredible, flavour-rich recipes like Claire’s mouth-watering roasted tomato falafel Follow Claire: http://5oclockapron.com/ https://www.instagram.com/5oclockapron/ Order Tomato by Claire Thomson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1787137856?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1 Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 25, 2022
Wildflowers can be made to absolutely flourish with low maintenance for an overwhelming wow-factor, and a meadow can become a wonderful source of nectar for our pollinators. The early Autumn months open the perfect window to sow a wildflower meadow, which can have a spot in your garden teeming with wildlife. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ discover the perfect floral combinations to breathe life into a wildflower meadow. In this episode, discover: Fantastic perennial additions to a wildflower meadow, from dense, colourful Yarrow to the aromatic, long-flowering Marjoram The vital role of Yellow Rattle in promoting prolific wildflower growth Key differences between annual and perennial meadows, and which is ideal for you Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 18, 2022
Alliums possess a bombastic silhouette that’s nothing short of iconic, and make a perfect addition to borders. While we’ve covered Alliums before on the podcast, there are a number of brand new varieties to rekindle your passion for them. In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah & Arthur shine a spotlight on the recent newcomers to the family, from the shuttlecock-like ‘Magic’ to the towering, 7ft figure of ‘Summer Drummer’. In this episode, discover: The most exciting new Alliums, reminiscent of old favourites with uniquely dazzling qualities Classic varieties like Purple Sensation & Schubertii, which remain among Sarah & Arthur’s top picks A tip that Sarah picked up from Clarissa Dickson Wright on chopping onions Growing leek as a handsome flower, rather than purely as an edible plant Planning ahead to Christmas, and preparing to adorn your tree with Alliums Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Mon, August 15, 2022
Heatwaves are an ever growing phenomenon, and not a welcome one for those of us trying to keep our gardens teeming with life and colours beyond the browns of dehydrated grassland. In a timely bonus episode, Sarah’s bringing us five actions we can all take to help our plants beat the heat, from reusing water in the face of potential hosepipe bans, to releasing water slower with the help of solutions like Hortiwool. In this episode, discover: Where we can reuse water in case of hosepipe bans How to water your pots efficiently with barrows and tubtrugs Hortiwool’s environmentally friendly insulation for slow-release watering Top performing varieties of drought tolerant plants Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 11, 2022
Summer months are waning, and the prospect of darker evenings should encourage us all to bring light, colour and beauty into our gardens throughout the autumn season. That brings a perfect opportunity to dive into the autumn catalogue, and highlight the new varieties and beloved favourites which promise to enrich your space, whether bathing it in strong hues with some of the new Tulips, or filling it with fragrance from incredible Wallflowers. In this episode, discover: The huge array of standout Tulips, from productive perennial varieties to colourful collections perfect for potted planting Staggering wallflowers with luscious fragrance, and how to make them last as a cut flower Which winter salads and edibles are hardy enough to give you so much through the cold months to come A selection of delightful homeware, from the beautiful Ornate Candelabra, to the Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder to keep the garden buzzing with wildlife Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 04, 2022
Low maintenance, cheap and easy potted plants are a wonderful entry point for even the most inexperienced gardeners, and there are plenty of options for a rapid burst of colour. Whether it’s the Hollyhocks that thrive in the meanest ground, or Californian Poppies which are among the quickest to grow into their extravagant form, you’re bound to find a new favourite potted flower in this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: The easiest seeds and seedlings to plant for filling a pot with vibrance and fragrance Which of the Poppies and Linarias excel for quickly going from seed to flower How Hollyhocks thrive in meaner soil, while Foxgloves & Honesty adore being scattered Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 28, 2022
There is an understated power in herbs to elevate a plain seafood dish into a truly extraordinary experience, and using as many herbs in his dishes for exactly this reason is the renowned restaurateur and writer, Mitch Tonks. Between Fish Works and Rockfish he’s demonstrated his expertise in the finest seafood, and shares an abundance of recipes for you to try with your home grown herbs. We also dive into some top tips for growing your own herbs, and tricks to excel in cooking your fish dishes. In this episode, discover: Mitch’s rich history with fishing, superlative seafood and herbs Tips on avoiding common cooking pitfalls, like fish being overcooked or sticking to a pan Why harder herbs like Savoury or Thyme are perfectly suited for grilled fish, while softer herbs best complement a delicious dressing A plethora of Mitch’s extraordinary recipes, from hugely flavoursome Sea Bass with Salsa Primavera, to simpler recipes that anyone can cook in a bag Advice for growing Basil and sowing Flat Leaf Parsley, for which the current season is still perfectly suited Follow Mitch https://twitter.com/mitchtonks https://www.instagram.com/mitchseafood/ Order Mitch’s Books https://www.mitchtonks.co.uk/books-2/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 21, 2022
It’s the season for entertaining with dinner parties and garden gatherings, and there are so many ways that flowers can punctuate your occasion with immeasurable glamour. Whether you’re creating decorations for the centrepiece of a table, or using petals as a wonderful, frugal alternative to confetti, Sarah & Arthur have some essential tips for impressing your guests this summer, plus a delicious salad recipe. In this episode, discover: The grid system of branches that can replace oasis or floral foam in your table arrangements Which roses are ideal for providing long-lasting petals to use as an exciting alternative to confetti Eye-catching lights to bring a delicate evening glow to your garden Varieties of flowers perfect for cut flower arrangements or living pots as a table’s centrepiece Sarah’s truly delicious recipe for a warm salad rich in flavour, a perfect companion for the summer evenings ahead Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 14, 2022
Growing your own veg brings a refreshing seasonality to dishes that forms part of Amelia Freer’s passionate dedication to making better nutrition easier for everyone. A brilliant Nutritionist, Author and even formerly a PA to Prince Charles, Amelia brings her uplifting, empathetic approach around changing our food habits to this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: A new, empathetic system for adapting food habits, and how you can tailor it for yourself The difference between head hunger, mouth hunger & stomach hunger Some of Amelia’s favourite tray bakes and one pot dishes Embracing the approach of cooking ahead of time, a fantastic opportunity for people short on free time The delightful element of seasonality in your food that comes from growing your own edibles Follow Amelia: https://ameliafreer.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaFreer https://www.instagram.com/ameliafreer/ Order Amelia’s books: https://ameliafreer.com/books/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 07, 2022
Many of us gain so much of our knowledge of farming, livestock and produce from all-important city farms, much like the wonderful Mudchute Farm in London, run diligently by fantastic Farm Manager Tom Davis. Tom has led Mudchute to achieving the Rare Breeds Survival Trust approval, teaches 20-25k kids each and every year, and notably takes sheep to graze on the royal parks. We’ll be hearing about keeping rare breed livestock, how natural grazing leads to beautiful wildflower growth, and more. In this episode, discover: How you can support the local British farming community and help the return of quality, seasonal produce Mudchute Farm’s educational services to over twenty thousand children and their families Encouraging biodiversity throughout their vast 32 acre farm Tom’s hard work to achieve approval from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Mudchute Farm https://www.mudchute.org/ https://www.facebook.com/MudchuteParkFarm https://www.instagram.com/mudchute_farm/ Farmer Tom Davis https://www.instagram.com/farmertommy/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 30, 2022
It’s the time of year to sow biennials, and while they flower in their second year, the artisanal avalanche of colour that they bring is well worth the wait. Many of the gorgeous biennials that earn a place as Sarah & Arthur’s favourites will self-sow too, so join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to venture through these beautiful biennials, from the subtle, fragrant Pillowtalk to more eye catching Tulips like Amazing Parrot. In this episode, discover: Varieties of biennial flowers for floods of colour and fragrance Advice on best using liquid seaweed feed, particularly for hungrier plants How sowing biennials from seed gives you a staggering impact compared to planting from seedlings Which flowers are happiest on poor soil, perfect for new builds or areas with paving Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, June 30, 2022
Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 23, 2022
We’re all becoming well aware of the huge impact that bees and other lovely pollinators have on our planet, which is wonderful news for local beekeepers & artisan honey producers like Epping Good Honey. Ian & Clare Nichols’ passion for all bee species spills out into all they do, and they join Arthur to share how small changes like growing herbs or providing water for bees gives a great lease of life to our ecosystem. In this episode, discover: Why, and how, beehive numbers fluctuate with seasons The importance of buying from & supporting local producers How we can all help fill the ‘June Gap’ a critical month for supporting bees The National Bee Unit’s fantastic work tracking information for beekeepers Herbs and flowers that are fantastic for the bee population Photo Credit: Joe Woodhouse Epping Good Honey http://www.eppinggoodhoney.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/eppinggoodhoney/ https://twitter.com/eppinggoodhoney Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 16, 2022
The season of summer parties and sunset gatherings has arrived, and cut flowers make a marvellous centrepiece to any room, so it’s a lovely time to consider how to make them last in a vase. Conditioning your cut flowers needn’t be taxing, as Sarah & Arthur bring their best tips for making your table arrangements last, from searing stem ends to swaddling and creating a sugar syrup perfect for long-lasting flowers. In this episode, discover: How searing stem ends revitalises floppy flowers The sugar syrup that, when added to water, becomes a plant superfood Sterilisation of lilies, and the longer flowering that removing the anthers will bring Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 09, 2022
In the British Isles we’ve lost 90% of our wetlands in the past 100 years, but designing your garden with pond space opens up the opportunity to bring the regal beauty of Waterlilies into your garden. Waterside Nursery exhibits their extraordinary displays at Chelsea Flower Show, and you’ll struggle to find a greater advocate for the Water Lily than Linda Smith. Arthur chats to Linda this week on the various sizes of Water Lily, how to design your pond to bring them to life, and ways to encourage wildlife to enjoy your garden. In this episode, discover: The inspiration behind the start of Linda’s Water Lily nursery Linda’s marvellous exhibitions at Chelsea Flower Show Standout varieties from each size category of Waterlilies Design advice for tailoring your pond to plants and wildlife alike Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 02, 2022
Fantastic for bees, great over a salad and wonderful as confetti, it’s no wonder Dahlias are some of our favourite plants around. While it might be too late for planting Dahlia tubers, the instant beauty of potted varieties is essential if you’re looking to bring a rich palette of colour into your garden. Tune in to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a look at the ready-potted Dahlias perfect for floral flair right through to the late autumn months. In this episode, discover: Which varieties of Dahlia will best suit your pots, large or small How to maintain your Dahlias, whether you’re taking cuttings or simply deadheading Why we should consider earwigs to be our friends, and their effects on aphids A scintillating recipe for a summer salad, topped with Dahlia petals Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 26, 2022
Willow Crossley began her habit of pleasing the eyes with a start in fashion, but it’s her show stopping work with flowers that’s encouraging us all to embrace the enrichment that flowers can bring. It’s a delight to host Willow on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where we discuss a charming trick to breathe life into even supermarket Tulips, her favourite Dahlias & Tulips, and how Willow’s Instagram videos are encouraging us all to embrace flower arranging. In this episode, discover: The subtle art of reflexing tulips to make huge showstopping headliners out of your saucers How Willow’s welcoming Instagram videos encourage us all to embrace flower arranging A selection of the most eclectic Dahlias and Tulips, from the exotic and rich China Town to the deep, glamourous Black Parrot Follow Willow: https://willowcrossley.com/ https://www.instagram.com/willowcrossleycreates/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 19, 2022
Today marks the all-important World Bee Day, a chance to acknowledge their role in so much of our essential daily lives, and time to consider how we can help them thrive. We’re celebrating World Bee Day this year on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ by bringing some top tips on creating a natural haven for these fuzzy friends, which flowers are best for visual flair and feeding bees, plus some fantastic actions we can take before we even consider our own gardens. In this episode, discover: Our extraordinary reliance on the wonderful bee population for everyday essentials How we can tend more considerately to our own garden, and encourage the same from councils The top plants for providing bees their necessary nutrients Why we should do away with the leaf blower and provide more mess to protect bees Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 12, 2022
Even with the welcome summer months so close round the corner, it’s not too late to sow or plant seeds that’ll bring swathes of bees and provide you a delightfully productive cut flower. Of the half hardy annuals, Cosmos & Zinnias are among Sarah & Arthur’s favourites, so on this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we lust over the richness of Cosmos Rubenza, the bold Zinnia ‘Queeny Lime’ series, and how to make the most of them right through till November. In this episode, discover: Varieties of Cosmos both compact and grand in scale, from the rich Rubenza to the classic Purity The long vase life and prolific cut flowers of the Zinnia Aztec series, among Arthur’s picks for this year How & when to pinch out Cosmos for a healthier, more full-framed flower More eye-catching half hardy annuals set to see you through till the early winter months Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 05, 2022
Summer and Autumn are getting longer, which brings us more time to fill our gardens with wonderful edibles and their delightful accompanying scents. From the reliably sweet Sungold Tomato to a favourite of Arthur’s, Lemon Verbena, you’re bound to discover an edible variety in episode 66 of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ that’ll put the delicious finishing touches on one of Sarah’s many recipes this week. In this episode, discover: Delicious varieties of edibles, from mint and courgettes to the great multi-purpose Nasturtium Tips on how to grow the most sweet scented tomatoes for maximum flavour Several of Sarah’s favourite, mouth-watering recipes Arthur’s incredibly nifty trick for revitalising mint in your pots Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, May 05, 2022
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Rookery Farm Nursery, and the indomitable David Robinson has been a major piece of the puzzle for over a decade. The land has been in David’s family for over 100 years, so it’s a delight to delve into that rich history on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where we learn how the nursery began, and some of the sustainable practices that might inspire you to become more environmentally friendly in your gardening too. In this episode, discover: The fascinating, illustrious history of David’s family at Rookery Farm Nursery How Sarah & David began their 14 years of working together Our approach to sustainability at Rookery Farm, from reusing water and greenhouses to being peat & chemical-free David Robinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-robinson-3b33b986/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 28, 2022
This week we’re delighted to bring you a special episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ on location at our spectacular nursery in Lincolnshire! It’s Arthur’s first time here, and what a perfect time to chat about seedlings, the care they need to reach their growing potential, how we tend to mother stock, and the most exciting varieties that Sarah’s looking forward to bringing into a future catalogue. In this episode, discover: The love, care and work that the nursery puts into every seedling Some of Sarah’s most inspiring finds at the nursery, from the fragrant Heliotropium Reva to the striking Calceolaria Kentish Hero Sarah’s history with the nursery at Rookery Farm Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 21, 2022
The Great Pottery Throw Down has brought a lovely dose of attention to the art of pottery and the city of Stoke, and making the most of that with her dazzling designs is an old friend of Sarah’s - Emma Bridgewater. Emma’s story and passion for channelling the gorgeous beauty of our gardens into her work is part of what makes her range so charming, and you’re bound to feel inspired to get creative hearing about her enthusiasm on this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: How nature and gardening have inspired Emma’s creative endeavours throughout her life The extraordinary story behind the blossoming growth of her pottery business Inspiring flowers and lovely wildlife that make Emma’s designs so uplifting at this time of year Emma’s B-Corp journey, and how it shows our growing appreciation for sustainability & the natural world Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emma_bridgewater/ https://twitter.com/EmmaBridgewater Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 14, 2022
One of the most vivid ways to uncover the culture and history of a place is through a cookbook, which is part of the charm behind Falastin - Sami Tamimi & Tara Wigley’s lovely book of Palestinian cuisine. Sami & Tara join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share the story behind their desire to focus on Palestinian recipes, tell tales from their travels through the area where affection is shown through food, and offer up just a few of the simple, mouth-watering recipes from the book. In this episode, discover: A myriad of delicious, easy to make recipes from Sami & Tara’s exploration of Palestinian cuisine The spark of inspiration behind the duo’s book, Falastin Remarkable stories from their visit to Aida Youth Centre, where they found joy in food The importance of quality olive oil, and where to acquire amazing, thick Palestinian olive oil here in the UK Photo by Jenny Zarins. Tara Wigley: https://www.instagram.com/tara.wigley/?hl=en Sami Tamimi: https://www.instagram.com/sami_tamimi/ Order Falastin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Falastin-Cookbook-Sami-Tamimi/dp/1785038729 Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 07, 2022
We’ve covered the joys of looking after feathered friends on the podcast before, but what’s lovely about this week’s guest is that she’s shined a light on adopting ex-commercial hens as our coop-companions. Founding the British Hen Welfare Trust in 2005, Jane Howorth has earned an MBE of her services to hens, and joins us to share the inspiring initiatives the trust has created, why former battery hens are a lovely pet to adopt, and how to keep them healthy & happy. In this episode, discover: What battery farms once looked like, and the slight improvements made to conditions in recent years How Jane opened doors to create rehoming sites for end-of-lay hens Tips for keeping battery hens happy and healthy, from proper feeding to security and proper handling Balancing space for hens with a garden otherwise devoted to gorgeous flowers Jane Howorth MBE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-howorth-63a01b70/?originalSubdomain=uk British Hen Welfare Trust: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-hen-welfare-trust/ https://www.instagram.com/britishhenwelfaretrust/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 31, 2022
Milli Proust's gorgeous cut flower arrangements are testament to her artistic eye and passion for sustainable growing, something you can see more of in her marvellous upcoming book, ‘ From Seed To Bloom ’. Bestowed with hands-on creativity and the inspirational stoicism of her grandmother, she now shares her delightful flowers with the world. It’s a pleasure for Arthur to chat to Milli on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week about how she manages so much with her limited space, her love for the magic of a homegrown rose, and how you can learn the gardening methods that work for you. In this episode, discover: The magic of a Rose grown with the touch of weather and handmade love & care How careful planning and healthy biodiversity helps Milli to make the most of her limited space Dutch still life-inspired styles of flower arrangement Which bushes and shrubs can enhance a space for the flowers you grow Varieties of Sweet Peas and Tulips ideal for scent and spectacle Follow Milli: https://www.instagram.com/milliproust/ https://www.milliproust.com/ Pre-Order Milli’s book: https://bit.ly/3iKjY0q Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 24, 2022
As the clocks leap forward, so too does our focus for the year’s flowers. It’s a wonderful time now to think about your summer garden, whether you’re looking for scent from cut flowers or the most exhilarating colour in your flower bed. On ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week, Sarah & Arthur pick out their favourite flowers from our summer and late-summer catalogue, from the exciting, brand new Dahlia Abigail, to delicious African Blue Basil. In this episode, discover: Our highlights from an exciting seasonal range of flowers Why strawflowers are becoming a fashionable and rewarding flower for cutting The joys of our bold, brand new Dahlia Abigail, a hit with bees & butterflies Which varieties of Pelargonium offer the most vivid, delightful scents Tips on keeping African Blue Basil lively as an edible arrangement Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, March 23, 2022
As we bring this beginner gardening miniseries to a close, it’d be remiss of us not to cover containers, for the more urban gardeners looking to jazz up a windowsill or tabletop with a marvellous centrepiece. From piecing together a stage-like display with tiers to sizing up the largest pot your windowsill will take, Sarah & Arthur share the most vivacious plants for those of us looking to make a small space look and smell it’s very best. In this episode, discover: Which high-performing plants bring the sense of grandeur to smaller, container settings How to structure pots to create a stage-like setup Sarah’s tips for picking a ‘thriller, filler, pillar & spiller’ in a dazzling tabletop pot Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, March 23, 2022
Colour is an element of gardening that has captured both Sarah and Arthur’s eyes since their youngest years, and can be far more invigorating than structure or arrangement alone. In this episode of our miniseries, we take a look at the main colour palettes from which to paint your garden space with colour cohesion, whether you prefer sleek but muted collections, or bold, dazzling ensembles. In this episode, discover: Sarah’s ‘Bride, Bridesmaid & Gatecrasher’ method for creating beautiful and vivid bunches of flowers 4 main colour palettes, and the strongest, most dazzling flowers within each of them How you can draw inspiration from nature, wildlife and a wealth of colour books when creating your own colourful ensemble Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, March 23, 2022
It can be daunting considering which flowers you might want adorning your space, but understanding your space and letting your imagination run wild will help turn the garden into the dreamlike haven it can become. On episode 3 of our Beginner’s Guide miniseries, Sarah & Arthur take a look at how you can become better acquainted with your space, what you might love to make of it, and most importantly the tasks & tools that’ll help turn your concept into a dazzling reality. In this episode, discover: The inspirations you might take when designing your garden Getting to know which types of flower are ideal for you Essential tools for a smooth gardening experience Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, March 23, 2022
To create the beautiful settings we’re delighted to share from our own garden at Perch Hill takes vigorous annual sowing, so episode 2 of our miniseries focuses on bringing your seeds to life. It’s time to get started on sowing; which seeds are ideal for the garden or a windowsill pot, how to treat them like gold dust as you plant them, top sowing techniques, and the perfect seeds to start out with. In this episode, discover: Growing seeds from scratch in a garden or on a windowsill How to keep seeds fresh & treat them like gold dust Sarah’s 4 T’s for super sowing Which seeds are perfect for beginners for minimum difficulty and maximum beauty Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, March 23, 2022
Much of the terminology used in gardening can be somewhat intimidating, so before we dive into the flowers we thought it’d be essential to start with the common phrases you’ll need to know to understand the wonderful world of gardening. This episode of the ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Beginner’s Guide to Gardening will have you comfortable telling your annuals and your perennials apart, and we run through what Sarah & Arthur do in each month of the year for the most productive, beautiful garden. In this episode, discover: Different types of flowers, and the basic techniques for propagating them The benefits of organic gardening over chemical-based methods Why it’s worth learning some of your favourite plants’ Latin names The top tasks to focus on in each month of the year Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Wed, March 23, 2022
Welcome to your Beginner’s Guide to Gardening - a mini series created to help demystify the sometimes-complicated world of creating your own magnificent arrangements in gardens and pots. Join hosts Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson in this introductory episode to find out what you'll learn across the next 5 easy-listening episodes of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, from what to sow & how to do it, to pot planting & growing your own delicious vegetables. Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 17, 2022
Whether it’s concern for climate or the convenience of lower maintenance, drought tolerant plants are a way to create a thriving, colourful garden in heat without the constant need for watering. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah & Arthur share the perfect drought tolerant plants for containers, how best to tend to them, and offer a recipe for a refreshing rhubarb cordial. In this episode, discover: Which herbs and cut flowers are ideal for withstanding intense heat and longer spells without watering How to water drought resistant plants to get the most water into the roots Scented Pelargoniums’ ability to repel aphids, and Tomentosum’s affinity for dappled shade Sarah’s wonderful recipe for rhubarb cordial, a beloved favourite at Perch Hill Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 10, 2022
Josie Lewis is a thread of continuum at Perch Hill, frequently referenced on the podcast, so it’s high time that she finally joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share her love of Roses. Whether you’re looking for a variety with a particular colour to combine with the beauty of your existing garden, or you’re more pressed by scent and structure, we hear which are the absolute best Roses to grow, and how best to tend to them for healthy, reliable growth. In this episode, discover: Which varieties of Roses are the standout performers for each colour group The best ramblers, bloomers and climbers, from the huge, creamy white Wedding Day to the beautiful copper-brown Hot Chocolate How to make your roses last in water for maximum vase life Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Follow Josie: https://www.instagram.com/perchhillgarden/ View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 03, 2022
It’s for very good reason that Lilies sell out so quickly at garden centres - they’re such versatile, reliable and exotic perennials for bombastic shape, colour and scent. From the towering Tiger Lily’s warm brilliance to Muscadet’s staggeringly broad saucers and powerful scent, we hear from Sarah & Arthur how to pick out the most vivacious varieties, protect them from lily beetle, and use them as gorgeous cut flowers. In this episode, discover: How to protect your lilies from lily beetle without the use of nasty insecticides The most spectacular varieties of lily, from the white saucers of Muscadet to the soft scented Speciosum Rubrum Essential care for lilies, from keeping them from going damp to staking them for strong, reliable growth The best way to safely take lilies as cut flowers in a way that still lets them perennialise Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 24, 2022
Nobody captures the essence of a season’s most gorgeous cut flowers with the same poise and prowess as Becky Crowley, whose work on the cut flower garden at Chatsworth balances productivity with beauty effortlessly. Becky joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to talk us through her seasonal approach to cut flower photography, which plants and shrubs assemble to craft a beautiful, layered garden, and how to keep rabbits away from your growing flowers. In this episode, discover: Becky’s magnificent work in evolving the cutting garden at Chatsworth How to balance a garden between aesthetic beauty and cut flower productivity Mastering the art of flat-lay photography to capture the essence of a season’s flowers How to create sturdy fencing that keeps rabbits away from flower beds Becky Crowley: https://www.beckycrowley.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beckycrowley_/?hl=en Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 17, 2022
As winter drifts further into our rear view mirrors, it’s a perfect time to take a look at which of our wonderful range of seeds are superlative additions to your garden throughout the coming months. Whether it’s the reliable scent and beauty of Dianthus 'Benigna White Striped' and the beautifully bicolour Sweet Pea ‘Matucana’, or perhaps a colourful splash from the perfect tomato companion, Tagetes Linnaeus, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ will undoubtedly spark ideas on which seeds you’ll want to grow this year. In this episode, discover: Varieties for splendour, scent, and a season full of magnificent colour Which of our seeds are perfect for planting in the coming months The combinations of sweet peas to pick for gusto, or more traditional varieties for smell over colour Sarah’s delightfully quick recipe for a Pork & Rosemary Pasta Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 10, 2022
Tattie Rose and her team are botanical set designers with an eye for splendour, crafting uniquely magical compositions for events with a penchant for arbourial excellence. Joining Arthur on the podcast this week to share the inspirations behind her design ethos, Tattie walks through how she chooses & reuses vintage adornments, and why she loves to lean into woodland foliage for her showstopping creations. In this episode, discover: The sources of inspiration for Tattie’s imaginative, naturalistic floral designs How she builds relationships with people from whom they buy their foliage Fabulous ways to bring the best seasonal foliage into an indoor space, without using oasis Using & reusing set design elements to create the ideal sense of scale View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Tattie Rose Flowers: https://www.instagram.com/tattieroseflowers/ https://tattieroseflowers.co.uk/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 03, 2022
The year is well underway, and with it comes the delightful prospect of spring’s imminent arrival. Longer, warmer, brighter days bring a perfect opportunity to populate your space with some of our favourite, outstanding floral highlights from the Spring Range. Sarah & Arthur sit down together with their brand new catalogue and let their imagination run wild with their top picks. Learn how you can combine collections of decadent Dahlias to bathe your garden in colour, bring vibrance to your cooking with delicious tomato varieties, and hear Sarah’s warming, flavoursome recipe for Squid, Chorizo & Potato Stew. In this episode, discover: Our top picks of vibrant and rich Dahlias, with perfectly composed collections and showstopping singles The gorgeous aroma of Lilies, particularly Lilium Regale, which can be perfectly paired alongside tomatoes A new discovery for us, the bold and boastful terracotta shades of Bidens ‘Hot & Spicy’ The sweet and intense flavours found in two standout tomatoes, Sungold and Black Russian Sarah’s warming recipe for a Squid, Chorizo & Potato Stew View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 27, 2022
When most people think of hens, the image of a typical brown egg-layer springs immediately to mind without any consideration for the bold blues, lavenders, partridge colours and intricate lacing found in rarer breeds. Feather & Egg’s Sabina Richardson is a fellow poultry fancier with a commitment to sharing the joy and wonder of pure and rare hen breeds. Sabina joins Arthur this week as we explore the friendliest, rarest and most gorgeous hens to keep, as well as some invaluable advice on keeping them clean and safe from vermin. In this episode, discover: How hen keeping grew from Sabina’s personal hobby into a shared passion Advice on protecting your hens from rats and foxes Which breeds are ideal for families and young children How to design your hen runs to stay clean Ways to prepare for the potential impacts of bird flu Why we should all play our part in preserving pure breeds View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Follow Sabina and Feather & Egg: https://featherandegg.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/featherandegg/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 20, 2022
As we settle into 2022 and begin to plan for the year’s most delightful flowers, it’s the perfect time to share how to grow from seeds, a process that’s incredibly rewarding and yields beautiful pots full of healthy plants. To create a complete cutting garden you’ll need to sow some seeds yourself. This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is the A-Z of all we know about sowing systems; you’ll learn which varieties thrive on root disturbance, when to use root trainers, growing in gutters, using heated propagators, and the 5 T’s of direct sowing. In this episode, discover: Which sowing systems we’ve found the best success with How to sow carefully, treating your seed like gold dust The varieties that either love or lament having root disturbance Types of peat-free compost that have underperformed for us, and the new mix we’re trialling at Perch Hill View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 13, 2022
As we get 2022 well underway, we’ll see a showering of Snowdrops begin to brighten the garden with their brave, early bloom. Not only do they provide a gorgeous lift to grass, but their scent is so delightfully sweet. You’d be hard pressed to find a greater advocate for the Galanthus than Graham Gough, an old horticultural friend of Sarah’s who joins her on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share his love of Snowdrops in an episode laden with helpful tips and hilarious anecdotes in equal measure! In this episode, discover: The foundation for Graham’s fondness of Snowdrops Which varieties of Galanthus offer the sweetest, strongest scent How to tend to your Galanthus bulbs, and keep Narcissus Fly from preying on them Why you should embrace the joys of picking these pleasant harbingers of spring View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Marchants Hardy Plants Nursery: https://www.marchantshardyplants.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/marchants_hardy_plants/ https://www.facebook.com/marchantshardyplants/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, January 06, 2022
We often discuss desert island flowers on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, and the focus of this week’s episode should hold a spot in everyone’s list - Sweet Peas. The anthemic ensemble of colours within this family of flowers is huge, from rich, saturated blues and purples, to pastel shades and luscious bi-colours. Sweet Peas are the epitome of cut-and-come-again, which means you’ll be graced with their delightful sights and scents for as long as you care for these hungry plants. Join Sarah & Arthur this week as we learn the most eye-catching varieties, and the best sowing systems for prolific, long-lasting Sweet Peas. In this episode, discover: The most gorgeous varieties of Sweet Peas for creating an beautiful garden bed or artisanal table arrangement What & how to feed these hungry flowers to prevent the risk of mildew Pairings of Sweet Peas to combine the finest, flourishing flowers with the most soothing, delightful scents How to grow them with a root trainer for the quickest, most prolific plantable seed View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 30, 2021
We’re seldom shown or taught the wonders of wildlife that’s smaller than a fingernail, yet there’s a vast and vibrant insect ecosystem that’s in need of our protection from the effects of environmental issues. There are few authors who share the same degree of passion for the insect world as Dave Goulson. A Professor of Biology at Sussex University & author of the Sunday Times Bestselling book ‘Silent Earth’, Dave joins Sarah & Arthur this week to share his most fascinating discoveries, and how the beautiful flowers we grow can serve a purpose far greater than that of personal enjoyment; they just might save our planet too... In this episode, discover: Dave’s charming story behind the discovery of bumblebees’s ‘smelly feet’ Misconceptions around the role that insects play in our ecosystem How you can replace harmful insecticides with far more effective aphid-deterrents, earwigs The role that schools can play in bringing more awareness to the beauty of the natural world Garden projects you can try that will make a positive change for protecting insects View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Dave Goulson: https://www.instagram.com/dave.goulson/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 23, 2021
The cosiness of Christmas can be gloriously accentuated by a beautiful cut flower arrangement, and with this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ releasing on Christmas Eve it’s the perfect time to share how to make these flowers last as long as possible. Right from the picking, through to conditioning and arranging your flowers, Sarah & Arthur’s tips will help you to make the most of your cutting garden throughout the whole year. From searing to sterilising, in some cases these tips will help you to see double the vase life from your colourful collections of cuttings. In this episode, discover: The life you can bring back to your flowers by submerging them in water Which flowers need bamboo staking to keep them standing proud in a vase How long to sear flowers based on their stems A recipe for sugar syrup to extend the transient splash of colour from Sweet Peas The most effective way to elongate cut flowers’ lifespan, avoiding the ‘pick-plonk’ approach to arranging View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Follow Sarah: https://bit.ly/3jDTvBp Follow Arthur: https://bit.ly/3jxSKK5 Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 16, 2021
Shane Connolly’s vision for timeless arrangements and his dedicated, tight-knit team are a combination that bring an artisanal class to any event they’re involved in - most publicised of which being the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's magnificent wedding celebration in 2011. He’s also a firm advocate for sustainable floristry; for those of us looking to shift away from floral foam, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is unmissable. Shane joins Arthur to share the ethos that helps him collaborate on his clients’ marvellous displays, and how you can spark a similarly bold degree of inspiration in your own spaces. In this episode, discover: Shane’s adoration for the work of Constance Spry The design ethos behind Shane’s team’s most eye-catching displays Great, sustainable alternatives to the environmentally harmful floral foam How you can view flowers in a new, creative light View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Follow Shane: http://www.shaneconnolly.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/shaneconnollyandco/ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 09, 2021
The joys of gardening extend far beyond the three dimensions, with evolution over time being an aspect that inspires Dan Pearson to create magnificent spaces and document them so eloquently. A prolific and multi-talented horticultural icon, Dan joins Sarah on this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to discuss his exciting upcoming series which promises to offer a fresh and exciting approach to learning garden design, the principles behind his marvellous work on Sissinghurst’s Delos, and what we stand to learn from the Japanese principles guiding his work on the Tokachi Millennium Forest. In this episode, discover: How Dan is creating a more naturalistic view on garden & planting design in his new series with Create Academy Dan’s sublime work on Delos at Sissinghurst and the Tokachi Millennium Forest Capturing the essence of a garden in film, documenting their evolution through time Inspiring Japanese philosophies like ‘shakkei’ and ‘satoyama’ Adjusting our view on what sustainability truly means, and how we can achieve it View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, December 02, 2021
We’re just weeks away from what promises to be a magical Christmas period, and what better way to welcome the seasonal spirit into your home than creating a gorgeous wreath to adorn your door. Whether you’re planning for a more natural look, or picking more exuberant decorations, Sarah & Arthur walk through the festive foliage to keep an eye out for when foraging this winter, from the warm, fireside hues of bracken, to dependable classics like holly and mistletoe. In this episode, discover: Collections of evergreens transformed by the setting of a wreath Picking gorgeous, patisserie shades of light, airy grass to compliment your home’s decorations The wreath bases that are perfect starting points for natural-looking arrangements A fabulous pudding recipe you can prepare now, ready for Christmas Day View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 25, 2021
Few flowers are quite as essential as the Salvia, a plant of the moment which is as low maintenance as it is high performing. It takes just a little care to keep these ocean deep blues, rich purples and eye-catching reds flourishing well into the autumn months. Not only are colourful varieties like Jezebel and Amistad also edible, but they’re an indomitable blackspot deterrent and great for cutting. Sarah & Arthur take a look at this must-have family of long-blooming flowers in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, and serve up a spectacular recipe for butternut squash. In this episode, discover: The new, exciting, and vigorous varieties of Salvia that are ideal for pots Particularly useful Salvias for companion planting with Roses to battle blackspot How to take Salvia cuttings to grow youthful, vigorous plants, ready for when your current flowers start to wane Making the most of sage at its best this time of year in an incredible recipe for butternut squash View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Follow Sarah: https://bit.ly/3jDTvBp Follow Arthur: https://bit.ly/3jxSKK5 Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 18, 2021
The allure of a warm, glowing, gorgeously adorned home to spend Christmas is particularly appealing in lieu of a challenging few years, and there’s no better way to bring your home to life than with our Christmas range! In this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, learn how you can transform your home with some of Sarah & Arthur’s highlights from this year’s winter offering from our range - from stylish ornaments to glistening, Allium-inspired lighting, plus some delightful gift ideas for your loved ones. In this episode, discover: Our luminescent offerings of Micro-LED Globes, subtle Wire Lights, and Solar Allium Lights The nature-inspired collection of decorative ornaments, from lovely llamas to opulent glass beetles ideal for hanging from the tree A great selection of foliage with which to decorate a showstopping wreath The extended range of carefully chosen gifts, perfect for that special someone View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Follow Sarah: https://bit.ly/3jDTvBp Follow Arthur: https://bit.ly/3jxSKK5 Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 11, 2021
The pleasure of designing a garden stretches far beyond colour - with the prolific growth of tender perennial climbers, your flowers become architectural art, giving arches and teepees spectacular structure. Join Sarah & Arthur this week as they take a journey through their pick of the climbers, from the pleasant purple and apricot combination of Rhodochiton & ‘African Sunset’ to the captivating and cathartically named ‘Love in a Puff’. In this episode, discover: Sarah & Arthur’s passion for the exotic and rampant Cobaea Scandens The bombastic balloon-like seed pods that lend Cardiospermum its common name: Love in a Puff How a smattering of ‘African Sunset’ paired with Rhodochiton creates a striking pairing for teepees and arches When and how to sow each of these climbers to transform your garden with their incredible depth Sarah’s simple recipe for a delicious roasted cauliflower with a dressing rich in flavour View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, November 04, 2021
After Sarah’s recent appearance on Prue Leith’s More4 show, Prue’s Great Gardening Plot, it’s an absolute delight to host Prue on this week’s fascinating episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. We’re given an insight into Prue’s gardening and the work that’s happened behind the scenes to create the dazzling spaces we see on her TV programme, how she’s made the most of challenging Cotswold clay with glamourous tulips & gorgeous roses, and Prue’s marvellous, ongoing support for better catering in hospitals. The latter part of this episode does contain a deep and sensitive discussion about recent developments around dignity in dying, so listener discretion is advised. In this episode, discover: How Prue transformed a farmyard into a sprawling orchard Picking prolific plants that thrive in difficult soil & challenging conditions Fascinating tales from the recent series’ of The Great British Bake Off Prue’s remarkable advocacy for a revolution in hospital catering Photo by Geoff Pugh. View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Follow Prue Leith: https://www.instagram.com/prueleith/ Watch Prue’s Great Garden Plot on demand: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/prues-great-garden-plot Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 28, 2021
With 2021 waning and the winter months taking hold, the opportunity to force bulbs presents the delightful prospect of creating indoor arrangements for a much-needed splash of colour and pleasant aroma within the home. This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ offers an eclectic selection of Narcissi, Amaryllis and Hyacinths to consider when assembling your chromatic chorus of bulbs, and essential advice on when, where and how to force your bulbs for maximum impact. In this episode, discover: What ‘forcing’ means, and how that helps you bring a delightful range of bulbs throughout the monochromatic winter months The fabulous varieties of impactful, easy to grow Amaryllis Growing for glamour and scent with vibrant Hyacinths Sarah’s favourite Narcissi for reliable forcing year after year Picking perfect pots, caring for your bulbs, and decorating your pots with a delicate sprinkling of Moss View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 21, 2021
Cold nights and frosty mornings are soon upon us, which signals the perfect time to start putting our gardens to bed in preparation for the harsh winter months. A little bit of care and attention now will help your garden to thrive when the excitement of spring rolls around! Whether in a small garden limited on space, or one in which you have the luxury of corners you can leave to wild, Sarah & Arthur share their advice on protecting your most delicate bulbs, clearing leaves in a wildlife-friendly way, and using them to create a lovely, crumbly leafmould. In this episode, discover: The flower varieties most in need of Winter care Tending to a small garden where you’re unable to leave a corner to wild Why you should ditch the leaf blower in favour of a more wildlife-friendly rake - and avoid over-tidying Martha Stewart’s recipe for a bird feeder wreath Rotting down old leaves into a productive leaf mould View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 14, 2021
As we enter Autumn and the spectacular summer’s days wane in favour of darker, colder weather, Pelargoniums take centre stage and truly come into their own. For a family of flowers that boasts such visual flair and incredible scents, they’re remarkably high performers for very little attention. On this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’re talking all things Pelargonium, from those with attention-grabbing aromas to those whose vibrant visual appeal is right at home in the home or the garden. In this episode, discover: Sarah’s adoration for Attar of Roses, and how it’s used in so many different ways The most productive varieties that stay vibrant from April through to October Groups of pelargoniums great for filling your house with incredible scents How to take pelargonium cuttings safely View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, October 07, 2021
As winter descends on our lovely gardens, it’s a perfect time to plan for the emergence of wonderful possibilities next spring, particularly by sowing your own organic crops. While the prospect might be daunting to some, it’s just been made far easier by this week’s guest on the podcast. The delightful Anna Greenland joins me on episode 36, fresh from the release of her new book. We hear the story behind Anna’s approach to gardening, which has an accessibility to it that should entice new gardeners, while offering experienced gardeners plenty of tips on sustainably transforming balconies and back gardens into spaces for edibles. In this episode, discover: Anna’s down-to-earth style of gardening that’s accessible to everyone The marvellous transition from staff at a Jamie Oliver restaurant to an organic supplier for them Releasing a beginner-friendly but impressively detailed book perfect for new and knowledgeable gardeners alike Which delicious crops are perfect for sowing around this time of year How to put Nasturtiums to good use in two delightful recipes View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Anna’s new book - ‘Grow Easy: Organic crops for pots and small plots’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Easy-Organic-crops-small/dp/1784727350 Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Follow Anna: https://bit.ly/3CUFvvw Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 30, 2021
When you’re faced with a selection of plants as vast as our wonderful Autumn range, it’s very easy to get bogged down with such a range of choices, so this week we’ve decided to cast a spotlight on a few of our absolute favourites. Whether it be a productive collection to provide a cohesive, colourful ensemble, or perhaps a single flower with such a striking appearance that it becomes your new favourite, there’s something for everyone on this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’. In this episode, discover: Collections in our Autumn Range that’ll bring life and colour through the darker months to come A perfect houseplant for those less confident in looking after garden plants How much difficulty in planting is removed by quality tools Sarah’s ‘best ever’ recipe for Rhubarb Cordial View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 23, 2021
No late summer garden is complete until its colour palette is drizzled with delightful Dahlias, a flower that’s had its fair share of love on past podcast episodes - and quite rightly so! Their productive tubers and vibrant varieties make them a true must-have, and worthy of a full episode to themselves. Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson - perhaps the most enthusiastic Dahlia advocates - share their top picks from the rousing family of flowers, which ones are most alluring for birds and bees, tips on saving pot-grown Dahlias from frost, and how they make a delightful addition to a lovely salad. In this episode, discover: Over a dozen glamourous, decorative varieties of Dahlia The best single Dahlias to encourage a vivacious buzzing of bees and butterflies Opportunities to companion plant Dahlias with the beautiful biennials of Rudbeckia Hirtas Novel new Dahlia varieties to explore, like the vibrant, heather-like Dahlia ‘Mats’ Sarah’s advice for caring for your Dahlias in the face of frost View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 16, 2021
With the highly anticipated, and slightly belated, Chelsea Flower Show 2021 just a week away, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ offers us a perfect chance to talk with one of the show’s most prolific and accomplished garden designers - the wonderful Ann-Marie Powell. Missing just a single year of the show since 1997 (understandably for the birth of her now-12 year old), Ann-Marie shares the tales from her formative years and TV career that fuelled her unbridled botanical passion, her visionary approach to designing a captivating garden, and what we can expect from a Chelsea show which promises to bring some seasonal surprises. In this episode, discover: Ann-Marie’s inspiring experiences with gardening through her formative years The authentic passion behind Ann-Marie’s exciting designs and delightful presence on social media Which show stopping flowers will be stealing the spotlight at RHS Chelsea this year How Ann-Marie and the team are creating their gorgeous exhibition with such a tight turnaround time View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Follow Ann-Marie: https://bit.ly/3kdxwDl Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 09, 2021
We’re breaking convention on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week as Sarah steps aside from hosting duties - Arthur is joined by a fellow Perch Hill resident, Sarah’s other half, and thoroughly accomplished writer, Adam Nicolson. In a conversation ranging from profound environmental issues to more absurd incidents like the ‘big sheep crisis’, this episode is equal parts hilarious and inspiring to those of us looking to build a world of wondrous sea life. Adam describes life on Perch Hill, fascinating facts about the inhabitants of rock pools, and how we can help bring biodiversity back to our shores - all with the same passionate and eclectic vernacular that you’ll find in his latest book: ‘The Sea Is Not Made of Water: Life Between the Tides’. In this episode, discover: Fascinating stories from the early days of Perch Hill Marvellous creatures that can be found in rock pools How we can help nurture sealife with your very own rock pools The peculiar story behind Sarah & Arthur’s ‘Big Sheep Crisis’ View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Adam’s book - ‘The Sea Is Not Made of Water: Life Between the Tides’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/sea-not-made-water-Between/dp/000829478X Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, September 02, 2021
There are massive gains to be had if you’re willing to take a crack at autumn sowing, which presents a fantastic opportunity to grow some truly giant hardy annuals. Whether you’re looking to get ahead on ornamental additions to the garden or encourage stronger roots to protect your edible plants, Sarah & Arthur explain how autumn sowing now could be the start of an envious, vibrant ensemble in the next year’s spring and summer months. In this episode, discover: The best varieties of ornamental flowers and productive edible veg to sow early Which hardy annuals to sow early for truly incredible growth How to grow flowers with stronger roots and better disease resistance The hardy nature shared by many plants with ‘snow’, ‘frost’ or ‘ice’ in the name Sarah’s recipe for a pleasant, delicious chilli jam View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 26, 2021
From selling her own beautiful produce at markets in London, to exciting collaborations with Skye Gyngell at Spring Restaurant and Jam Jar Flowers’ Melissa Richardson (a previous guest on the podcast!), Jane Scotter has had a wonderful journey to running her 16-acre, biodynamic farm - Fern Verrow. Joining Sarah & Arthur from her gorgeous spot at the foothills of the Black Mountains in Herefordshire, Jane discusses her delightful experiences growing for Skye, how biodynamics helps cultivate her truly seasonal produce, and the love and care she shows to those learning under her tutorship. In this episode, discover: The amazing success that Jane has seen with biodynamics Fern Verrow’s marvellous 16-acre farm Jane’s favourite varieties of tomato, courgette & aubergine for delicious flavour & gorgeous appearance Their collaboration with Melissa from Jam Jar Flowers and Skye Gyngell at Spring Restaurant View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Fern Verrow: https://www.fernverrow.com/ Cover Photo Credit: James McNaught Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 19, 2021
For regular listeners or those familiar with Arthur’s fabulous family of feathered friends, you’ll know that hens are his area of expertise. From those ideal for egg laying to the breeds that make pleasant poultry pets, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is all about how to choose and care for hens of your own. Sarah & Arthur divulge their experiences with picking a suitable chicken coop, keeping them safe from foxes and other foes, and given that you’ll have an abundance of eggs we hear Arthur’s take on a classic cake recipe - a gorgeous Victoria Sponge. In this episode, discover: Protecting your hens from foxes and other predators The best breeds to keep as layers, or as magnificent pets What & how often to feed, and keeping feeders out of reach of rodents How to put your hens’ eggs to delicious use in a classic Victoria Sponge View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 12, 2021
Organic lifestyles may have become particularly popular in the last few years, but the shrewd gardeners at Yeo Valley Organic Garden have been at it for over 25 years in the depths of Somerset. What’s even more exciting is their debut appearance at this year’s belated Chelsea Flower Show - a ‘dream come true’ for Sarah Mead. From dealing with pesky pests to picking out vibrant native flowers for their Chelsea display, Sarah has a host of fantastic tips for those of us wanting to use fewer chemicals in our gardens in this episode of “grow, cook, eat, arrange”. In this episode, discover: How Yeo Valley Organic Garden is enticing, but not forcing, people to live more organically Various ways to entice wildlife into your organic garden to help keep slugs and snails at bay A selection of Sarah Mead’s favourite ornamental & native organic flowers Yeo Valley Organic’s exciting maiden outing at Chelsea Flower Show this year Sarah’s keen interest in a revolution for organic food View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Yeo Valley Website: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, August 05, 2021
With the care and attention that we put into our gardens and green spaces, what use would it all be without a comfortable corner in which to sit back and enjoy it? We turn our focus this week to the captivating decorations and colour combinations to perfectly complement your floral handiwork. In episode 27, of “grow, cook, eat, arrange” Sarah & Arthur talk all things garden props - the most inviting lighting for a relaxing evening, where to source lovely and high quality vintage furniture, and an aesthetically pleasing way to keep wind away from your newly sown plants and hedges. In this episode, discover: How to match the perfect shade of gravel with your garden, and choosing a pet-friendly stone size A cheap alternative to hessian fabric/burlap, to help your new plants thrive Ideal decorations to radiate natural light on peaceful evenings Sarah & Arthur’s favourite places to find comfortable, welcoming furniture View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 29, 2021
This week’s podcast is a special-one with a focus purely on delicious food! Sarah is joined by a guest who combines her passion for the planet mixed with her love of plant-based delicious dishes that you can make at home; author of “One Pot, Pan, Planet”, Anna Jones. This best-selling author and environmentally conscious cook, discusses her brand new book, some of the best kept secret vegan substitute ingredients, and how to take your cooking standards from humble home chef to being worthy of a restaurant! A few small changes we can make to help our planet The secret substitute ingredients behind some of Anna’s most delightful dishes How toppings and texture help take your home cooking to Michelin star restaurant quality Anna’s cooking course, and her belief that cooking skills are truly for anyone View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH Anna Jones: http://annajones.co.uk/ One: Pot, Pan, Planet: https://amzn.to/3Bjj96W Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 22, 2021
When taking care of the beautiful congregations of colour at Perch Hill, it must be said that a wonderful team of keen, green-fingered folk are a helpful luxury that most at home won’t have when taking care of potted arrangements, so creating a maintenance schedule of sorts can be quite an art. In this practical instalment of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah & Arthur have a whole host of products, processes and priceless advice to perfect your preening, dead heading, watering and feeding. We also look at the best times to use a saucer under a pot (or when to avoid it), and Arthur’s affinity towards larger pots. In this episode, discover: The combined strengths of SB Invigorator as a feed and also combating mildew and aphids How to best treat your soil for feeding thriving plants Why Arthur is a champion of big pots over smaller ones, and his tips for carefully watering them Tips on using nematodes to keep vine weevils at bay Ideal times of year to use or avoid using saucers under plant pots A selection of scented varieties of Pelargoniums View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3zKskeT Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 15, 2021
As the latter summer months wane into autumn, pleasing perennials sweep into season - from the hard-working and rich Phlox ‘Blue Paradise’ to the hardy mainstay of the garden that is the beloved Salvia family. Sparking inspiration for your own containers, borders, cut flower arrangements and everywhere in between, Sarah & Arthur this week run through the plethora of perennials they consider the pick of the bunch, and share a delightful smoked haddock fish cake recipe with peppery, crushed nasturtiums. In this episode, discover: A gorgeous selection of Phlox, adding soft clouds of colour to a border The fabulous Asters that come into their own in the autumn garden Vital advice for this time of year, an ideal time to propagate your own Salvias Sarah’s delicious recipe for smoked haddock fishcakes, replacing pepper with a colourful collection of crushed Nasturtiums View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3jJZSFx Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 08, 2021
From the beauty of a bold, stained glass window to the emphatic and highly saturated patterns found in wildlife and nature, colour is an element of gardening that’s captured both Sarah and Arthur’s eye since their youngest years. Marrying together flower families is a fine art, but between Sarah’s ‘Bride, Bridesmaid & Gatecrasher’ approach to picking beautiful bunches, and the colour palettes inspired by exotic animals that can be found in Arthur’s Mill Yard dolly tubs, this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is sure to spark your own imaginative colourful combinations. Capping off a podcast full of captivating hues, we also hear Sarah’s recipe for delicious whole globe artichokes, topped off with a delightful sauce. In this episode, discover: How you can draw inspiration from nature, wildlife and a wealth of colour books when creating your own colourful ensemble The importance of picking the right foliage to accompany your flowers Sarah’s ‘Bride, Bridesmaid & Gatecrasher’ method for creating beautiful and vivid bunches of flowers The colour combinations occupying Sarah & Arthur’s captivating arrangements A delicious recipe for whole globe artichokes, served with a secret sauce View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3jJZSFx Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, July 01, 2021
As the summer months are upon us and the prospect of lovely evening gatherings in the garden grows ever more appealing, there’s a marvellous opportunity to spruce up your garden with a selection of gorgeous Gladioli. It’s not too late in the year to plant your own, so now is a perfect time for us to consider some of the best Gladioli to bring a natural and harmonious ensemble of colour to your space - this week with the help of the wonderful Tom Brown, Head Gardener & Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Also in this episode we hear about some of the unique discoveries that have emerged from Sarah and Tom’s shared love of trialling, with a few fantastic tips to use in your own planting. In this episode, discover: Tips for growing gorgeous gladioli in your gardens A selection of Sarah, Arthur & Tom’s favourite Gladioli Sarah and Tom’s shared passion for trialling Fascinating revelations from Sarah’s trials of potato tubers View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3iLZOUV Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Products mentioned: Gladiolus ‘Belle de Nuit’ - https://bit.ly/3q7btzk Gladiolus communis subsp. Byzantinus - https://bit.ly/3iSMbn8 Acidanthera murielae syn. Gladiolus murielae - https://bit.ly/3zycmW6 Gladiolu ‘Evergreen’ - https://bit.ly/35CtV9P Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 24, 2021
While the boldness of Lupins might be unfairly mistaken for a lack of subtlety, and many gardeners overlook Irises and Peonies, Sarah and Arthur feel it’s high time for a renaissance of these romantic, vigorous flowers. From the rousing rouge tones of Terracotta to the rich, cool tones of Dusky Challenger, there’s a strong case for adding these gorgeous varieties to your garden - they should be praised just as much for their aesthetic merit as for their low maintenance. Perhaps you’ll discover your new favourite flower, or a variety to become the perfect colourful companion for your garden border. In this episode, discover: The family of striking, bold Lupins, perfect for any border Beautiful Irises, and the influx of colour they bring to a garden Magnificent peonies - the queen of the cut flowers Sarah & Arthur’s favourite selections of each, with helpful tips on how and when to plant them Advice for keeping Lupin Aphids at bay View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/35Ral9K Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Products mentioned: Lupin ‘Beefeater’: https://bit.ly/3xE74Xe Lupinus ‘Terracotta’: https://bit.ly/3iUoJ96 Lupinus ‘Blue Javelin’: https://bit.ly/3qcC9Pt Peony Collection: https://bit.ly/3zRLwsn Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 17, 2021
As we finally begin to emerge from a year of restrictions, the world is our oyster and it’s time to start planning some gorgeous getaways and rousing retreats. For many, the likes of familiar old favourites Sissinghurst and Chatsworth will undoubtedly be on the cards, with romantic rose gardens and marvellous displays of cramming every cranny with colour. For this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Arthur take us on their ideal road trip around the country, offering up suggestions for an exciting tour of your own to discover natural beauty, flora and fauna, and even a recommendation for a good gin... In this episode, discover: Sissinghurst Castle Garden and their beautiful rose garden and mixture of Tudor red-brick buildings with a romantic mix of plants within the walls. Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top with it’s rolling wooded hills and valleys filled with loose planting that attracted animals for her drawings. Rousham House & Gardens with their gorgeous free range hens welcoming a delighted Arthur on arrival and the unique wildness to their gardens, veg and herbs. Chatsworth House & Gardens who are leading the way in the cut flower movement and showcase stunning ways to companion plant, being the most productive and experimenting garden they’ve visited! Sarah’s wildflower walk in Cornwall starting at Kynance Cove which feels like walking through a flowery salad with the aqua blue of the sea to one side, and fields of exotic and rare Cornish tropics to the other. The most western point of British Isles in the Outer Hebrides with it’s coral white sands and extraordinary mix of rare Orchids. Arthur’s favourite visit to Chester Zoo with their own gin created on site, incredible conservation work and fields of feed grown for their own animals. View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3gv5HVg Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Products mentioned: Dahlias: https://bit.ly/3wA8UrW Roses: https://bit.ly/3gnOwVG Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 10, 2021
Rich in fragrance and saturated colour, the biennial is a wonderful group of plants that promise to really enhance the sights and smells of your garden, whether they be the magnificent early Wallflowers, or the aromatic Icelandic Poppies. Among the numerous varieties of biennial worth sowing right now, on this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we also hear about how you can add carrots to your veg garden, the best ways to keep them safe from carrot flies, and Sarah’s brilliant recipe that puts them to great use in a salad. In this episode, discover: A selection of the most fragrant and fabulous biennials to adorn your garden Biennials’ role in bringing through a succession of colour Growing your own delicious carrots easily with seed tape Keeping home-grown carrots safe from the danger of carrot flies Sarah’s recipe for a delightful salad with your carrots View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/37CDXsu Order Sarah’s new book: http://bit.ly/3cR0kyh Order Arthur’s new book: http://bit.ly/3qiBgUs Products mentioned: Wallflower: https://bit.ly/3wrkF3P Foxglove: https://bit.ly/3hHFuDY Poppies: https://bit.ly/3bIkjxD Carrots: https://bit.ly/3f22prG Kale ‘Redbor’: https://bit.ly/37qazWy Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, June 03, 2021
The beauty of roses makes them one of the most desired flowers for occasions, but they are an increasingly fashionable addition to a garden setting too. Growing over 5 acres of them in Oxfordshire at Green and Gorgeous, Rachel Siegfried is well versed in which varieties suit particular scenarios, and how to grow a healthy rose. Rachel joins Sarah & Arthur this week to share how you can make the most of your roses, including her pick of rose feed, how to condition them once picked, and keeping red spider mite and black spot away from your flowers. In this episode, discover: The origins of Rachel’s incredible farm of roses Tips for healthy Rose growth, and the best ways to feed them Dealing with red spider mite Sarah, Arthur & Rachel’s favourite selections of Rose Conditioning Roses after picking, and the best things to pair with Roses View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/2XoEeNR Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Green and Gorgeous Flowers: Web: https://bit.ly/3oyymuN Instagram: https://bit.ly/2S69TB0 Products mentioned: Uncle Tom’s Rose Tonic: https://bit.ly/3ypwNUG Mutabilis: https://bit.ly/3bFHRDn Koko Loco: https://bit.ly/3hEfEAH Ranunculus: https://bit.ly/3bGakJi Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 27, 2021
The joy of a pressed flower is an absolute treat to decorate any setting, and nobody does it quite like Melissa Richardson of JamJar Flowers. Seeing them preserve the life of a picked peony far beyond its normal lifespan is a truly special treat. Melissa joins Sarah & Arthur this week to discuss her gorgeous arrangements, how she sources her beautiful flowers, and how you can use environmentally friendly alternatives to oasis. In this episode, discover: Melissa’s almost-accidental discovery of the wonders of flowers Environmentally friendly alternatives to oasis, or floral foam The incredible experience that only comes from buying flowers in the market How to start pressing your own beautiful flowers at home View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3lSrn0C Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H JamJar Flowers: https://bit.ly/2S9cs5t Products mentioned: Peonies: https://bit.ly/3wkMIBF Photo taken by Helen Cathcart. Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 20, 2021
Give hardy annuals some new, open ground, and the flamboyant flowers fill out any garden. Tending to them in just the right way helps to bring your space to life, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we find out Sarah and Arthur’s top 5 hardy annuals. On top of this, we’ve got a whole year’s worth of edible flowers which promise to bring a burst of flavour to your cooking; we cover everything from wild garlic and elderflower, to chives and hibiscus, plus everything else in between. In this episode, discover: How hardy annuals can provide years of decoration in your garden Sarah & Arthur’s favourite selections of hardy annuals Advice on direct sowing, and avoiding competition among hardy annuals Sowing edible flowers for every month in the year Tips to avoid weedling germination View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3iBVdEy Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Products mentioned: Edible Flowers - https://bit.ly/3f8vkJp Violas - https://bit.ly/3obmGxV Polyanthus - https://bit.ly/3ezVSnN Broad beans ‘Crimson-flowered’ - https://bit.ly/3hjJBpA Dianthus - https://bit.ly/3eCc883 Salvias - https://bit.ly/33ytX1p Roses - https://bit.ly/2RDvpwJ Chives - https://bit.ly/3tzSyxj Dahlias - https://bit.ly/3vXhD78 Runner bean flower ‘Polestar’ - https://bit.ly/33yjFhL Runner bean flower ‘White Lady’ - https://bit.ly/3vRdUrw Sweet Pea ‘Painted Lady’ - https://bit.ly/3ffMmFQ Hibiscus - https://bit.ly/3uCqjPS Tagites - https://bit.ly/3biLQWf Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 13, 2021
There is a particular delight that comes from growing your own delicious vegetables, but something that adds another dimension to their flavour is cooking them on fire. Bringing Middle Eastern inspiration and nearly a decade of experience at the helm of Honey & Co, Saris Packer and Itamar Srulovich share their flair for flame-cooked cuisine, and how you can grow and cook your own dishes with intense flavours. In this episode, discover: Recipes inspired by Sarit & Itamar’s Middle Eastern travels How Honey & Co. wrote their book for chefs with any kind of grill The special qualities unique to cooking with fire Picking the perfect potted tomatoes and aubergines to grow Sarit & Itamar’s dream seasonal recipes for the next month Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3xBefiJ Honey & Co. : https://honeyandco.co.uk/ Order Sarit and Itamar’s new book: https://honeyandco.co.uk/books/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, May 06, 2021
There’s nothing quite like bringing the garden together with alliums as they take over from the last of the late tulips. If you tend to them carefully and remove the leaves that are prone to looking tatty, then you can welcome a standard of colour and life comparable to the Chelsea Flower Show into your garden. Alliums are an equally exciting addition you can take to the kitchen, with Society Garlic bringing the flavour without the halitosis. We also cover chives in this episode, which is a stunning perennial herb with uses in a delicious salad or a chive tea. In this episode, discover: Sarah and Arthur’s favourite selection of Alliums to fill the ‘May Gap’ How to treat Allium foliage to allow other flowers to bloom The need to tend to Alliums that self-seed before they hinder other flowers Picking wild garlic and chives, and growing them in the home Sarah’s baked potato recipe with Wensleydale and garlic pesto View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3m3hehP Products mentioned: Alliums: https://bit.ly/3dwrvhA Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’: https://bit.ly/3v04c5C Chives: https://bit.ly/2QDEJ3k Garlic Chives: https://bit.ly/3as1a2h Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 29, 2021
With a mix of English and Kiwi flair, The Land Gardeners are on a mission to improve the health of our plants, land and soil, with both Henrietta Courtauld and Bridget Elworthy designing gardens as productive as they are stunning. On this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we hear about how their wonderful ‘Climate Compost’ plans to bring biodiverse compost to your garden, tips to make your own ‘Compost Cakes’, and a variety of new ways to use asparagus in your cooking. In this episode, discover: The story behind Henrietta and Bridget’s mission around plant and soil health How biodiversity helps nurture the wildlife in our gardens Tips for making ‘compost cakes’ Two lovely recipes for asparagus View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3m1EDzY The Land Gardeners: https://bit.ly/3acUKE8 https://bit.ly/3trlSXx Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Products mentioned: Asparagus Collection: https://bit.ly/3ggWrEr Tulips: https://bit.ly/3d7RuMp Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 22, 2021
At a time of year where the last of the frost is behind us, it’s a fantastic opportunity to grow your own wonderful pumpkins and squash, and the best thing is that they’re brilliant for gardens of all sizes. Even better, pairing these with a fruit blossom can bring you both edible veg and delightful songbirds. In this next episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Arthur share the best ways to grow a healthy pumpkin, assemble a delicious squash tip frittata, and create a canopy of fruit blossom. In this episode, discover: Enticing songbirds with a canopy of sapling fruit trees The transient beauty of cherry blossom Sarah’s recipe for a lovely squash tip frittata Choosing the ideal time to grow pumpkins and squash What makes pumpkins ideal for small, vertical gardens Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3AHQnfj Products mentioned: Clematis armandii 'Apple Blossom': https://bit.ly/2Q8dFZN Pumpkin Collection: https://bit.ly/3uEhQvo Squash ‘Early Butternut’: https://bit.ly/3uxXunp Squash ‘Crown Prince’: https://bit.ly/3s473IX Squash ‘Tromboncino’: https://bit.ly/3eG6SQX Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 15, 2021
With the spring season fast approaching, this week seemed a fitting time to consider our pick of the early tulips to bring some spring colour to your garden. Helping us to choose our favourites on this episode is a wonderful guest with a background in fine art and floristry, Anna Potter. As the artistic eye behind Swallows & Damsons, Anna shares her journey to building her own floristry company utilising her photography skills to create a ‘visual diary’, and we hear how to chit potatoes and use them in a variety of delicious dishes. In this episode, discover: Anna’s background in fine art, and how it grew into a love of floristry How she grew Swallows & Damsons through beautiful Instagram content Anna, Sarah & Arthur’s absolute favourite early tulips The story behind the tulip named after Sarah Raven Chitting potatoes, and everyone’s favourite recipe for their potato of choice View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3CIWeT5 Swallows & Damsons: http://www.swallowsanddamsons.com/ Anna Potter’s book - The Flower Fix: https://amzn.to/39WzZwo Chitting Potatoes: https://bit.ly/3d7Rs7f Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Products mentioned: Tulips: https://bit.ly/3d7RuMp Potatoes: https://bit.ly/3mIUTV7 Potato Tubers: https://bit.ly/3wAXzZn Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 08, 2021
Companion planting is a win-win situation - you bring even more beautiful flowers into your garden, and they help each other to bloom. From pests to mildew to black spot, there’s a number of dangers that careful companion planting can solve naturally. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Arthur offer tips on how to pick plants to protect one another, and Sarah gives us a Fish Cake recipe that offers a natural alternative to black pepper - the delicious Nasturtium. In this episode, discover: The 4 main types of companion plant you can sow How companion plants work together to help each other thrive Keeping mildew and black spot at bay Planting nacotiana tobaccum as a natural alternative to a brassica cage Including Nasturtiums in Sarah’s delightful Fish Cake recipe Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3sae5xz Products mentioned: Hardy Annual Cutting Patch Collection: https://bit.ly/2OtSxg2 Perpetual Spinach: https://bit.ly/3rXav8a Tomatoes: https://bit.ly/39KngN8 Tagetes Linnaeus: https://bit.ly/3cTzKEj Tagetes Patula x Erecta 'Konstance': https://bit.ly/2PuQbhv Salvia and Calendula Collection: https://bit.ly/2OnSJxa Allium Collection: https://bit.ly/39HzCFV Nasturtium ‘Alaska’: https://bit.ly/31R1naI Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, April 01, 2021
We’re delighted to welcome a very special guest onto ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week, someone whose award-winning talent as a food writer, grower and photographer is matched by his enthusiasm for full-flavoured recipes - Mark Diacono. From a slip of the tongue that led to the inception of his ‘Charlie Mojito’, to complementing mint with lovely cosmos, and tips for growing each for yourself, this episode offers an entertaining snapshot of Mark’s passionate plant-growing at Otter Farm, and a sneak peek into his upcoming book release. In this episode, discover: Mark’s favourite mint for food recipes and to pair with a good gin The strange story behind a very unique mojito recipe How to arrange cosmos with mint Tips on sowing cosmos, a great plant for beginners Mark’s ideal recipe for mint sauce Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3siLJBh Products mentioned: Sorrel: https://bit.ly/39dHVJd Cosmos: https://bit.ly/3rh5wPp Mint: https://bit.ly/2PoH7ds Mark Diacono - ‘Herb/a cook’s companion’: https://bit.ly/2PoHfts Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 25, 2021
If you’re looking to naturalise your garden with a sea of bulbs that even have a great vase life, then narcissi are a wonderful addition to your greenery. While some varieties fit the description of ‘rubber duck yellow’, those with rich colour and a rousing scent earn the respect of Sarah and Arthur. For this week’s edible veg, we hear about purple sprouting broccoli which, even during a time of year where it is notably harder to grow-your-own vegetables, is incredibly generous. Hear how Sarah includes purple sprouting in a lovely pasta dish, and Arthur’s advice on complementing them with aesthetically pleasing, round structures. In this episode, discover: How to naturalise your garden with an abundance of narcissi Sarah and Arthur’s ideal selection of narcissi Growing a generous crop of purple sprouting broccoli Pairing purple sprouting with pasta for a delicious dish Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3xQFHcS Products mentioned: Narcissi: Avalanche - https://bit.ly/3qmtEzH Geranium - http://bit.ly/3vGInct Actea - https://bit.ly/3rmihJt Silver Chimes - http://bit.ly/2Nx5Mfk Pheasant’s Eye - http://bit.ly/3d4iPhh Purple Sprouting Broccoli - http://bit.ly/2QegQio Jewel Stained Glass Vases - http://bit.ly/3tBFYOr Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 18, 2021
Our gardens have so much potential to become an oasis for birds and bees, and you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetic beauty to make this happen. Arthur considers a butterfly or a bee on a flower similar to Gucci jewellery for your garden, so combining glamour and wildlife can be particularly rewarding; and now is the perfect time to sow for a bustling summer garden. Also discussed this week are courgettes - a particularly easy vegetable to sow with a wonderful range of recipes to use them in. As always, Sarah shares some of the courgette’s culinary uses, including an interesting anecdote on why you should always pick your courgettes more frequently than you might think... In this episode, discover: How to bring the best of wildlife gardening and regular gardening together Bringing butterflies, bees and birds into your garden Sarah and Arthur’s three favourite courgettes Numerous delicious courgette recipes Tips for sowing courgettes, and when best to pick them Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3lYmwuI Products mentioned: Blue Bayou: https://bit.ly/2PxpIiJ Sunflower Pro Cut Plum: http://bit.ly/3qOlNLF Crocus: http://bit.ly/2PW9HTK Dahlias: http://bit.ly/3bNovwp Scabius: http://bit.ly/3bKXeuw Thistles: https://bit.ly/3bOPs2I Salvias: http://bit.ly/3bPbToO Oregano: http://bit.ly/3tjcDIp Borage: http://bit.ly/30H7uOj Rosemary: https://bit.ly/3rl7kaN Buddleia Buzz: http://bit.ly/30HMcAb Courgettes: Tromboncino: http://bit.ly/3eG6SQX Serpent: http://bit.ly/3tf5bxW Romanesco: http://bit.ly/2NhKTEL Bianca: http://bit.ly/3cBF0uZ Soleil - http://bit.ly/3lf6tqb Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sara
Thu, March 11, 2021
One of the key players in a colour-packed garden, and a true love of Sarah and Arthur’s, is the beautiful dahlia. With the low maintenance of a perennial and the growth of cut and come again flowers, it’s no wonder there’s barely a patch at Perch Hill that isn’t decorated with a ‘stained glass carpet’ of dahlias. Gracing your kitchen table this week, ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ covers rhubarb, a vegetable Arthur would consider right at home in a Beatrix Potter novel. Sarah shares her tasty Syllabub recipe, with some advice on growing rhubarb in a forcer for maximum sweetness. In this episode, discover… Using forcers to grow sweeter rhubarb for your cooking Sarah’s delicious Syllabub recipe How best to harvest rhubarb in candlelight Rhubarb’s cultural importance on the West Coast of Scotland The origins of Sarah and Arthur’s love affair with dahlias Bringing dahlias to flourishing growth Sarah and Arthur’s ‘Desert Island dahlias’ Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3iEnJW0 Products mentioned: Hollywood Gladioli Collection: https://bit.ly/2OrCAXm Rhubarb Collection: http://bit.ly/3uXPs8k Rhubarb 'Victoria': http://bit.ly/3bl1VuW Classic Hyacinth Collection: http://bit.ly/2MQbVD7 Narcissus 'Avalanche': http://bit.ly/3qmtEzH Iris x hollandica 'Red Ember': http://bit.ly/3c78hgv Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate': http://bit.ly/3uUz1cS Calendula officinalis 'Indian Prince': http://bit.ly/3sTuAgu Dahlia 'Bishop of Auckland': https://bit.ly/2ZJTnHC Dahlia 'Blue Bayou': http://bit.ly/2PxpIiJ Dahlia 'Totally Tangerine': http://bit.ly/30gXTh2 Dahlia 'Ripples': http://bit.ly/3uVgKMx Dahlia 'Café au Lait': http://bit.ly/3qhzIJH Dahlia 'Molly Raven': http://bit.ly/3bjH0IN Dahlia 'Schipper’s Bronze’: http://bit.ly/3c66jgp Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Bonus · Thu, March 11, 2021
There may be no more grateful recipient of a lavish flower arrangement than a loving mother on Mother’s Day, and with that day right around the corner it seems high time to share Sarah and Arthur’s ideal bouquets! From picking and conditioning, right through to designing an incredible aesthetic ensemble, this edition of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ promises to bestow you with the picking knowledge that’s bound to put a beaming smile on any mother’s face. In this episode, discover… Sarah and Arthur’s ideal selection of freshly picked Mother’s Day flowers Conditioning and preserving the flowers you pick Picking Euphorbia Oblongata safely Constructing your aesthetically gorgeous arrangement with complementary foliage Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Supporting factsheet: https://bit.ly/3rjTPY8 Products mentioned: Classic Hyacinth Collection: https://bit.ly/2MQbVD7 Classic Freesia Mix: http://bit.ly/2OrqmxE Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon): http://bit.ly/3kNjk2x Artichoke 'Violet de Provence': http://bit.ly/3kOz1GB Rosemary 'Foxtail': http://bit.ly/3rl7kaN Narcissus 'Avalanche': https://bit.ly/3qmtEzH Narcissus 'Actaea': http://bit.ly/3rmihJt Euphorbia oblongata: http://bit.ly/2PymsDP Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, March 04, 2021
Adding tomatoes to a gorgeous soup recipe is one thing - however the delightful burst of flavour that can be gained by growing your own indigo rose tomatoes is unparalleled, not to mention their incredible health benefits! Bringing you the best methods for growing your own thriving tomato garden in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Arthur run through every step; from building the silver birch teepee to perfect picking. You’ll also find out how to propagate Arthur’s pick of the sweet peas, the vibrant, ‘acid pink’ Barry Dare, and what makes them the biggest cut and come again flower in the garden! In this episode, discover… The pleasant aromatic impact of growing your own tomatoes A number of scrumptious recipes for your tomatoes Creating a silver birch teepee for jungle climbers Picking and conditioning Arthur’s favourite sweet peas Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3AyU0UH Products mentioned: Cherry Tomato Collection: http://bit.ly/3bQmTRs Essential Tomato Seed Collection: http://bit.ly/37YRj2T Sungold Tomato: http://bit.ly/308iDHq Indigo Rose Tomato: http://bit.ly/3sVzvxN Tomato 'Noire de Crimèe': http://bit.ly/2NND3TS Tagetes patula 'Strawberry Blonde': http://bit.ly/3uMMq6B Tomato 'Stupicke Polni Rane': http://bit.ly/2PnCfVT All sweet pea ranges: https://bit.ly/3bYBAlB Sweet Pea 'Barry Dare': http://bit.ly/2PnCMHn Sweet Pea 'Matucana': http://bit.ly/3bSSMZC Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, March 04, 2021
Anyone can start growing plants and veg from scratch, whether you have acres in abundance or just a promising windowsill! Using the right sowing system, you can adorn your windows with seed trays or square pots to create a sprawling oasis. Join Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson for this bonus episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ that will bring you up to speed on all things sowing. Sarah shares why she treats seeds like gold dust and how to keep them pristine for seasons to come, and Arthur divulges the secret to turning a windowsill into a bustling greenhouse of growth! In this episode, discover… Encouraging your children to take part in sowing with you Growing from scratch, whether in the garden or on a windowsill Treating your seeds like gold dust and keeping them fresh All the various sowing systems you can use Sarah’s four T’s for super sowing Making your very own homemade propagator Supporting factsheet: https://bit.ly/3bip0OU Products mentioned: Shop seed trays: http://bit.ly/3sNcqx9 Mini sowing kit: http://bit.ly/3e06oF1 Shop compost: http://bit.ly/3q9UF9A Jiffy pellets: http://bit.ly/3sMbwAG Cosmos collections: http://bit.ly/3reGxwQ Broad Bean collections: http://bit.ly/3reU0Fc All sweet pea ranges: https://bit.ly/3bYBAlB Capillary Matting: http://bit.ly/3843V8S Nigella collections: http://bit.ly/3b5S0Jz Windowsill Propagator Kit: http://bit.ly/3qeMXux Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 25, 2021
For the sheer delicacy of its outer petals, the crocus flower is a lovely choice to adorn your kitchen table, and a chance to put a little egg cup to wonderful use. Not only that, but they also play a crucial role in the survival of our pollinators! In this episode of grow, cook, eat, arrange Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson also share their love of chard, the envy of many a gardener come the winter months. While Arthur explains his reluctance to pick chard, Sarah has several satiating recipes for you to try with it, and explains why it’s best to sow it twice a year to make the most from chard all year round. You’ll also hear how you can bring vivid splashes of colour into your garden with one of the most vibrant and versatile plants - the antirrhinum! In this episode, discover… How to incorporate crocus in the home with egg cups Sarah’s tips for the fastest and most natural crocus planting Sowing chard twice a year for a colourful and delicious garden addition Two sumptuous chard recipes to add depth to your cooking Incorporating antirrhinums in your garden for lavish splashes of colour View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/2Ua7TJg Products mentioned: Crocus Tommasinianus: http://bit.ly/3pNkQTb Crocus chrysanthus 'Snow Bunting': http://bit.ly/3snmTPk Crocus Vernus ‘Flower Record’: http://bit.ly/3umv941 Crocus Minimus ‘ Spring Beauty’: http://bit.ly/3bxWyri Swiss Chard ‘Bright Lights’: http://bit.ly/3snGM8X Antirrhinum majus ‘Liberty Crimson’: http://bit.ly/3uokhma Sarah Raven Antirrhinum Collection: http://bit.ly/3aKIJ9N Chantilly Series: http://bit.ly/3bAgycC Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, February 25, 2021
With both of the “grow, cook, eat arrange” podcast hosts launching brand new books this Spring this special bonus episode delves into what you can expect to read from them both. Tracing the year from January to December, Sarah’s new book (the first in 10 years!) “Sarah Raven’s A Year Full of Flowers: Gardening for all seasons” provides inspiration, planting ideas and expert advice for a beautiful garden all-year round. Arthur Parkinson’s “The Flower Yard” follows Arthur, as he gardens through the seasons in pots. It is a beautifully visual yet personal and highly informative read on his love for bold colours, cut flowers and bees! Supporting factsheet: https://bit.ly/30blQWI Products mentioned: Narcissus bulbocodium 'Golden Bells': http://bit.ly/3sls6Y1 Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop): http://bit.ly/3so8LFU Fritillaria meleagris 'Plum & White Mixed': http://bit.ly/3uszVNq Dahlia 'Bishop of Auckland': http://bit.ly/2ZJTnHC Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza': http://bit.ly/3qRPLPI Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler': https://bit.ly/3cW8yoz Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity': https://bit.ly/36XzRLv Cosmos bipinnatus 'Fizzy White': http://bit.ly/3bz8vNb Narcisuss: http://bit.ly/2ZIMLcl Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 18, 2021
Kale really is tough as old boots - you can grow it anywhere yet still create the most delicious dishes from it. In another vibrant episode of the “grow, cook, eat arrange” podcast Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson discuss the best ways to pick, sow and cook this incredible plant plus the great health benefits and unique qualities of the flower sprout. Also within this episode they discuss how to create a beautiful display by introducing trails of Cobaea to your outside space. In this episode you’ll discover… Using Cobaea to make an impact in small spaces Sarah’s favourite recipe for Kale How to craft a teepee for your Cobaea from Silver Birch Different times of the year to sow Kale for varying results View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3lUoo7S Products mentioned: Cobaea scandens: http://bit.ly/3jWRoc5 Cobaea scandens f. Alba: http://bit.ly/3bixjsC Gourmet Kale Collection: http://bit.ly/3s3lkWY Brilliant Bulb Lasagne Collection: http://bit.ly/37F2IF1 Kale 'Redbor' F1 Hybrid: http://bit.ly/37qazWy Kale 'Curly Scarlet': http://bit.ly/2N5rebf Kale 'Nero di Toscana': http://bit.ly/2ZDjL5X Hyacinthus orientalis 'Anastasia' (Multiflora): http://bit.ly/3bdUFQm Flower Sprouts: https://bit.ly/37lGE1M Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 11, 2021
The classic late-winter ornamental crops such as snowdrops and rosemary are beautiful additions to any garden, and also provide a vital source of nectar for bumblebees coming out of hibernation in February. In this second episode of the grow, cook, eat, arrange podcast, Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson discuss their favourite types of snowdrops, the best time to propagate a new rosemary bush and Sarah even reveals her unique technique for arranging snowdrops for maximum impact on display. Discover: How to transplant snowdrops happily Techniques for picking snowdrops The ideal location for rosemary to flourish When to cut a rosemary bush Sarah’s favourite use of rosemary within the kitchen View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/37BPZCl Products mentioned: Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop): http://bit.ly/3aQ3D63 Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue': http://bit.ly/3cWdry4 Rosemary 'Foxtail': http://bit.ly/2LBh8hv Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Thu, February 11, 2021
Every single bite of a home grown, freshly picked, winter salad should taste completely different from the last and that’s what makes it so exciting. In this episode of grow, cook, eat, arrange Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson delve into the world of rocket, basil, mizuna and parsley. Sarah provides her top tips to ensure your salad leaves last for at least 20 picks, which varieties do best in frosty weather, and why you can actually sow them any time of the year. In this jam-packed episode they also discuss their favourite types of hellebores, the best ones for growing in shaded and sunny spots, and picking techniques to increase their vase life. Learn: Sarah’s choice of ingredients for a winter salad The importance of giving salads space How to condition and arrange hellebores Where hellebores grow and how best to cut back foliage View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3CLSuR8 Products mentioned: Helleborus x ballardiae 'Maestro': http://bit.ly/2OnifSZ Helleborus x ballardiae 'Merlin': http://bit.ly/2Ocsut5 Hardy Winter Salad Leaf Collection: http://bit.ly/3tKcKxK Mizuna 'Red Knight' F1: http://bit.ly/3qckG96 Rocket 'Buzz': http://bit.ly/3jKVVhT Crimson and Jade Pattern Lettuce Collection: http://bit.ly/2Z3LjRn Really Good Organic Salad Seed Collection: http://bit.ly/3rCrmxl Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, February 11, 2021
It can often feel like gardening has an entirely new language that you have to learn! So for those budding new gardeners in our midst for this special bonus episode Sarah & Arthur have been kind enough to pull together a beginner’s guide to terminology. They’ll prepare you to enjoy the rest of the podcast by explaining some common phrases used and a few basic gardening techniques for you to care for your garden organically. In this episode you will learn: Different types of flowers and from annuals to perennials. Basic techniques for propagating. The benefits of organic over chemical based gardening. Supporting factsheet: https://bit.ly/3uQ5KQq Products mentioned: Aster x frikartii 'Mönch': http://bit.ly/3rwzsYc Helenium Collection: http://bit.ly/2YXPM87 Rudbeckias: http://bit.ly/3p4jXFs Kniphofia rufa 'Rasta': http://bit.ly/3qhglkE Peonies: http://bit.ly/3aOK51V Dahlias: http://bit.ly/3jwhxhE Foxgloves: http://bit.ly/2MRUeCW Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Bonus · Thu, February 11, 2021
Gardeners Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson have a unique and fruitful friendship created through their joint passions for growing beautiful floral arrangements and sowing food for cooking on the veg slope at Perch Hill. So how did this all start? On this special bonus episode of grow, cook, eat, arrange we delve into their upbringings and backgrounds that inspired their love of colour, their original career paths (including Sarah’s brief time as a Medic in London!) and the story behind how they first met and formed an instant friendship. Discover: Why Perch Hill is a true “Wonderland” to Arthur Where Sarah’s love for “bringing the outside in” came from Their joint love of Cosmos How Arthur’s family influenced his career into gardening How they each found their passion for making the harvest the essence of their gardening Supporting fact sheet: https://bit.ly/2MMMrqe Products mentioned: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Purity': http://bit.ly/36XzRLv Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler': http://bit.ly/3cW8yoz Antirrhinum majus 'Liberty Classic Crimson' F1: http://bit.ly/3oXFnE8 Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday': http://bit.ly/2NecSoI Tulip 'Queen Of Night': http://bit.ly/3jw9q4J Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Trailer · Tue, January 26, 2021
Welcome "Grow, cook, eat, arrange" the brand new podcast by gardeners Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson, who've worked together for nearly ten years at the beautiful Perch Hill Farm in the South of England. Sarah loves gardening in general but growing produce both food and flowers is the part she loves the most. She also loves to cook straight forward garden-picked food every day with the minimal amount of ingredients and palava but the greatest amount of taste! Arthur is Sarah's florist who picks beautiful arrangements for photoshoots and open days at the farm, from buckets of scented sweet peas to huge armfulls of dahlias and towering gladiolus. We'll be releasing a new episode every Friday, featuring a relaxed informative chat between Sarah & Arthur across a variety of topics. They'll focus on their favourite flowers currently growing in the garden and the tastiest produce on the veg slope at Perch Hill. They'll talk about how to sow or grow them as well as how to harvest or arrange them, adding their favourite tips or methods along the way. As well as chatting about gardening and growing, Sarah will give you some of her favourite recipes full of food you can produce. So whatever gardening you're into, whatever size your garden is, or whatever level of experience you have, there'll be something for everybody. You can find out more about the products used in the episodes and get in touch via our website. Enjoy the show! https://www.sarahraven.com/podcast/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
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