Violas and pansies are among the more overlooked flower families, an outlook that Brenna Estrada’s new book hopes to change for the better.

She’s embraced their beauty as cut flowers throughout her gardening journey with Three Brothers Blooms, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ she shares her tips for newcomers to bring their violas and pansies to life, whether in the garden or as part of stunning arrangements.

In this episode, discover:

• The enchanting world of pansies and violas, and how they can transform from humble bedding plants into show-stopping cut flowers 
• Brenna’s top tips for growing, harvesting, and pressing pansies, plus how to get the longest, most fragrant stems 
• Behind the scenes of Brenna’s one-of-a-kind flower book, sharing these overlooked floral treasures with the world

Order Brenna’s book - ‘Pansies’:

https://threebrothersblooms.com/pansies-book/

Products mentioned:

Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-tiger-eye-red-f1

Black Beauty

Black Prince

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As anyone in an area surrounded by larger animals might know, we’re entering a season where it’s harder to keep them at bay, and protect your handiwork from hungry mammals.

Sarah and Josie have been hard at work finding what’s most effective for keeping deer away, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, share their best advice on how you can fend off any unwanted visits from large mammals.

In this episode, discover:

• Creative and practical ways to deter deer from your garden
• Which plants deer love to munch on, and the ones they tend to leave alone
• How drought, changing seasons, and garden design can influence deer behaviour

Products mentioned:

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Creme Brulee'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-creme-brulee

Chard 'Bright Lights'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-bright-lights

Kale 'Redbor' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/kale-redbor-f1

Chicory 'Variegato di Castelfranco'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chicory-variegato-di-castelfranco

Verbena bonariensis

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensis

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Pressing flowers can be one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to immortalise the joyous blooms in your garden, and it’s a craft close to Arthur Parkinson’s heart.

Arthur joins us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share the history behind this timeless craft, and tips for beginners to press their own vibrant and beautiful flowers, bringing nature effortlessly into your home.

In this episode, discover:

• The fascinating history and heartfelt meaning behind the art of pressing flowers
• Arthur’s top tips for beginners, including which flowers are easiest to press and how to get the best results with simple materials
• Creative ways to combine flowers and foliage for natural, lively pressed arrangements that encapsulate the spirit of your garden
• Inspiring ideas for displaying your pressed flower creations, from handmade cards to luminous frames that bring a touch of nature indoors

Products mentioned:

Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/galanthus-nivalis

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

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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

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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.

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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

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A greenhouse is not just for summer - it’s for the whole year round, and it’s far more versatile than many give it credit for.

Tom Brown returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, fresh from the release of The Greenhouse Book, the writing of which has given him a new perspective on just how much delight it can bring in all seasons.

Join Tom and Sarah as they share tips for siting your greenhouse, what to put in the greenhouse heading into autumn, and how to manage the pest population to keep your flowers thriving.

In this episode, discover:

• How to choose the perfect spot and size for your greenhouse, making it a true extension of your home and garden
• Which plants thrive under glass all year round, making the greenhouse more than a summer-bound source of joy
• Sarah and Tom’s expert tips for keeping pests and diseases at bay, and why a little bit of ‘tough love’ can lead to healthier, happier plants
• Inspiration to experiment with more unusual crops like sweet potatoes, lemongrass, and root ginger

Cover Image credit: DK and Jason Ingram

Order The Greenhouse Book: https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9780241755518-the-greenhouse-book/

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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

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Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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.

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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!

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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The season from May to August has been so extraordinary, thanks in no small part to the succession of alliums passing the baton throughout the summer months.

August is prime time for sowing alliums ready for next year, so in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah takes us through a whole host of varieties that’ll have your garden dancing with dazzling and rich bulbs.

In this episode, discover:

• How to create a stunning, season-long display of colour in your garden by choosing the right allium varieties for continuous blooms
• Sarah’s favourite tried-and-true alliums, plus some exciting new discoveries to inspire your next planting
• Clever, eco-friendly ways to harvest and transform allium seed heads into beautiful, reusable Christmas decorations
• Practical tips for growing alliums that return year after year with minimal fuss

Products mentioned:

Allium cristophii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophii

Allium schubertii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation

Allium jesdianum 'Purple Rain': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rain

Allium schubertii 'Arctic Snow': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-arctic-snow

Allium schubertii 'Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-magic

Allium stipitatum 'Summer Drummer': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-stipitatum-summer-drummer

Allium sphaerocephalon: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-sphaerocephalon

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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. 

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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

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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!

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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

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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! 

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Philippa Stewart started ‘Justdahlias’ when a passion turned into an obsession, and her talent for drying dahlias is a fabulous way to intensify their impact.

This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ dives into Philippa’s journey into dahlia drying, different techniques for drying them yourself, how best to arrange them, and the most stunning varieties when dried.

In this episode, discover:

• Philippa's top tips for hanging flowers for perfect preservation and maximum air circulation
• The fascinating world of dahlia colour transformations, as their hues evolve and intensify over time
• How to create a cutting garden that provides flowers from summer right through to autumn, with varieties that work brilliantly both fresh and dried

Products mentioned:

Dahlia 'Sweet Nathalie'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-sweet-nathalie

Dahlia Cactus Group Mix

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cactus-group-mix

Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-lait

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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’

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Over the course of 32 years Sarah has been perfecting the art of conditioning cut flowers, and her indispensable tips will help breathe life into your vases.

This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ covers 7 essential tips to condition any of your plants for not just a long-lasting tenure in an arrangement, but for keeping them looking proud and pretty for longer.

In this episode, discover:

• The 6 'S' techniques of flower conditioning to transform cut flowers from short-lived showstoppers to stunning, long-lasting displays
• Why some temperature-sensitive flowers flop, and tips to keep them perky for weeks
• Simple, quick advice on how to arrange for great vase life, while avoiding the ‘pick, plonk’ approach

Products mentioned:

Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-characias-subsp-wulfenii

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non scripta)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebells

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Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com

Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/

Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com

Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/

Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com

Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/

Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest