Structure found in some plants; aka: blossom
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Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
If grey squirrels have ever stripped your pots overnight or raided a carefully planted bulb lasagne, there are ways to protect your perfectly composed pots.Sarah is joined by Josie Lewis this week to share what's actually worked at Perch Hill after years of trials – from cleverly laid thorny rose prunings to beautiful pot toppers that protect bulbs and earn their keep. In this episode, discover:How Sarah and Josie protect freshly planted bulbs from grey squirrels and other pests without relying on ugly or ineffective solutionsExactly how to use thorny stems as a simple, physical barrier over pots through autumn and winterWhich ornamental plants make the best pot toppers over bulbs, and where each works bestHow to use edible pot toppers such as hardy lettuces and salad leaves to both shield bulbs and provide generous harvests before tulips emergeProducts mentioned:Ammi visnaga: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnagaAmmi majus: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majusHeuchera ‘Black Taffeta': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffetaErysimum ‘Bowles Mauve': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/erysimum-bowless-mauveWallflower ‘Sugar Rush Purple': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-sugar-rush-purple-bicolour-f1Cerinthe (Honeywort): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascens Cerinthe 'Kiwi Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blueMizuna ‘Red Knight': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna-red-knight-f1Salad Rocket: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata‘Red Frills' Mustard: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frillsSea Holly (Eryngium): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-x-zabelii-big-blueSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
We're stepping once more into Tom Stimpson's tiny town garden to see how he coaxes months of colour from the smallest of spaces. In this episode, Tom shares the mini bulbs that have truly earned their keep in pots and window boxes – from long-flowering iris and species tulips to cheerful muscari and dwarf narcissus. Together we explore simple planting “recipes”, clever table‑top displays, and a low‑maintenance watering approach that lets the weather do most of the work. In this episode, discover:How Tom turns a tiny town garden into months of spring colour using mini bulbs in pots, tabletops and window boxesWhich small bulbs really earn their keep in containers – from Ipheion ‘Alberto Castillo' and ‘Wisley Blue' to favourite species tulips and dwarf narcissusSimple ways to plan a small-space bulb display, including easy paper layouts and colour planningA low-maintenance watering approach for bulbs in pots that relies on deep, occasional soaking rather than constant fussingPractical tricks for protecting bulbs from squirrels and how to give narcissi, muscari and Iris reticulata a second life in borders.Products mentioned:Ipheion ‘Alberto Castillo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipheion-alberto-castilloTulipa sylvestris: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulipa-sylvestrisAnemone blanda ‘Blue Shades': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-blanda-blue-shadesMuscari ‘Blue Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-blue-magicMuscari ‘Valerie Finnis': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-armeniacum-valerie-finnisNarcissus ‘Minnow': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-minnowNarcissus ‘Sailboat': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-sailboatScilla / Squills (Siberian Squill): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scilla-sibericaSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Headlines: The Victorian Government has recently extended a pause in enforcing warrant of imprisonment for unpaid fines for another 2 months, human rights organisations have called for this to be permanently stopped.The NSW Supreme Court has rejected a push to place a terrorism supervision order onto a young Sydney man, with the prosecution falsely conflating criticism of Israel as antisemitic. Segments:- An ongoing segment we have here on the show, Wing Beats Per Minute - where two conservationists talk about the importance insects have on ecosystems, about flowering eucalyptus gums. - Segment from Out of the Pan where Sally Goldner was talking about the upcoming census and the inclusion of gender and sexuality but NOT variations in sex characteristics. - An excerpt from Uprise Radio back in May of this year dissecting the company's manifesto that was released earlier this year. This part talks about several points within Palantir's manifesto and how the company fits into colonisation and imperialism on a global scale. You can listen to more from Uprise Radio on Wednesday nights from 5.30 to 6pm on 3cr or at 3cr.org.au/upriseradio- An excerpt of the first episode of the new podcast by the Centre Against Racial Profiling, this series is called The People's Record. In this episode Idil is joined by ‘Ahmed,' ‘Musab,' Reem, Ilo Diaz, Crystal McKinnon, Charandev Singh and Tamar Hopkins, to explore growing up and community in the flats; first experiences of policing; histories of racialised police violence in so-called Australia; and traditions of community resistance. You can listen to the rest of this episode at 3cr.org.au/thepeoplesrecord the first 3 episodes of this series are out now, with more episodes to come. - Interview with Kelly Flanag and Karen Fletcher from Flat Out about the Victorian Government proposing amendments to the Corrections act, can you tell me a bit about what these amendments are and how that affects people in prisons. The Stop the No Fresh Air Bill Rally is on Wednesday 12th of August 12.45pm Parliament steps, more information here https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-the-no-fresh-air-bill?
Australia is home to around 20,000 flowering plants. But when did the first flowers emerge? Vera Korasidis at the University of Melbourne is a palynologist — a palaeontologist specialising in pollen and spores. She analyses ancient pollen and says the oldest-known pollen has been dated to 125 million years. Pollen grains are coated with an extremely hardy compound allowing them to be preserved in rocks for millions of years.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
If you love the idea of beautiful pots that don't need replanting every five minutes, perennials in a container can be the perfect solution, and just as stunning as a bed or a border.Tom Stimpson returns to discuss trusted “banker” perennials for containers – from long-flowering hellebores and acers underplanted with geraniums, to hydrangeas, heucheras and beloved agapanthus. You'll hear exactly which combinations have stood the test of time in Tom's garden as well as at Perch Hill, and how to get colour from winter through to late autumn.In this episode, discover:How to design perennial pots that give you colour and structure from winter through to late autumn, without constant replantingWhich plants Sarah and Tom rely on most strongly for containers Practical planting combinations for small gardens, such as Pittosporum with hellebores and scabious, or an acer underplanted with Geranium ‘Rozanne'A realistic regime for watering, feeding and deadheading perennial pots so they stay sturdy rather than sappyProducts mentioned:Helleborus niger: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-nigerHelleborus orientalis: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-orientalis-pretty-ellen-spottedHelleborus ‘Ice n' Roses Red': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-glandorfensis-ice-n-roses-redPittosporum ‘Bannow Bay': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bayScabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Cat': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-catScabiosa ‘Kudo Pink': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-incisa-kudo-pinkGeranium ‘Rozanne': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanneGeranium ‘Dreamland': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-dreamlandHydrangea ‘Madame Emile Mouillère': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-macrophylla-madame-emile-mouillereHydrangea ‘Little Lime': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-limeHydrangea ‘Limelight': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelightHydrangea ‘Little Fresco': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-frescoHeuchera ‘Black Taffeta': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffetaGaura ‘The Bride': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gaura-lindheimeri-the-brideGaura ‘Flamingo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gaura-collection-for-potsSalvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-nemorosa-caradonnaSalvia ‘Peach Melba': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-peach-melbaVerbena rigida: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-rigidaLinaria ‘Peachy': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/linaria-x-purpurea-peachyAgapanthus ‘Midnight Blue' / ‘Navy Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/agapanthus-navy-blueSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
We're approaching the perfect moment for bulb planting, and if you're looking to force bulbs for a lovely indoor winter, then look no further than the sage advice of Tom Stimpson.In this episode, Sarah and Tom - our Head of Horticulture - share their favourite bulbs to force indoors, and how to pot and water them, plus a few simple tricks to keep them flowering for weeks on end. In this episode, discover:The best bulbs to force indoors, from dramatic amaryllis and classic paperwhites to scented narcissus, hyacinths and tiny muscariSimple methods for planting, positioning and watering indoor bulbs so they flower reliablyThe importance of “mean” watering to avoid rot and keep flowers lasting longerEasy ways to move forced bulbs from house to garden so they go on to provide colour and cut stems for seasons to comeProducts mentioned:Amaryllis ‘Papillio' (Papilio): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-papillioAmaryllis ‘Green Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-green-magicAmaryllis ‘Nymph': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-nymphPaperwhite Narcissus ‘Ziva': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-papyraceus-ziva-for-forcingNarcissus ‘Polar Hunter': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-polar-hunterHyacinth ‘China Pink': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinth-china-pinkHyacinth ‘Delft Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthus-orientalis-delft-blue-forcingMuscari ‘Blue Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-blue-magicSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Tuesday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave advice for dealing with the last of summer's flowering perennials. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
When cancer enters a life, it carries a profound impact on the places in which you seek comfort, which is why the human-centred gardens at Maggie's centres are so unbelievably important.In this powerful episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', Sarah talks to Dame Laura Lee from Maggie's, about how beautifully designed, garden-centred spaces are changing the experience of cancer care for patients and their families. In this episode, discover:How one simple question sparked the creation of Maggie's Centres and a new idea of cancer supportWhy the design of a space can change how it feels to live with cancerWhat actually happens when someone walks from the hospital into a Maggie's CentreHow Maggie's supports not only patients but their families and friends through the processThe role of gardens and seasons as a gentle way to talk about hope, uncertainty, treatment, and even end of lifeSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Shipping standards in Adelaide, the life of Galileo, the plandemic, the ALP conference, and the legacy of Julia Gillard. Today's Chaser Report covers everything. ---Listen AD FREE: https://thechaserreport.supercast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @chaserwarSpam Dom's socials: @dom_knightSend Charles voicemails: @charlesfirthEmail us: podcast@chaser.com.auChaser CEO's Super-yacht upgrade Fund: https://chaser.com.au/support/ Send complaints to: mediawatch@abc.net.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
If you've ever let your vegetable garden wind down after summer, there's a whole season you're missing out on. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', Sarah breaks the year into two simple seasons and shows you exactly what to sow now so you can keep picking right through the grey months. From hardy salads and herbs to kales and chards, she shares 12 tried-and-tested crops that genuinely thrive in a UK winter. In this episode, discover:How to divide the gardening year into two simple seasons so you can plan for year-round harvestsWhich 12 tried-and-tested crops Sarah relies on for winter and early spring eatingThe exact sowing window for late-summer and early-autumn sowings, and why timing is crucial if you want strong plants going into winterPractical ways to cook and enjoy your winter veg, including Sarah's wilted kale salad, and how to use herbs to brighten cold-season saladsProducts mentioned:Lettuce ‘Merveille de Quatre Saisons':https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lettuce-merveille-de-quatre-saisonsMustard ‘Red Frills': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frillsFlat-leaf Parsley ‘Giant of Napoli': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoliSpinach ‘Medania': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spinach-medaniaChard: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-lucullusFlorence Fennel / Bulb Fennel (‘Romanesco'): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/florence-fennel-romanescoSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Stepping out into the garden with a sketchbook in hand is a novel, powerful practice which, given time, can transform the way we look at plants we think that we know like the back of our hand.In this week's podcast episode, Sarah is joined by artist and gardener Matthew Rice to explore how drawing becomes a kind of “recorded looking” that deepens our relationship with flowers and gardens - from choosing the right subjects and materials to capturing the feeling of a border in full swing.In this episode, discover:How drawing functions as “recorded looking”, helping deepen your relationship with your gardenWhich flowers and garden plants are most forgiving to draw as a beginner, and practical ways to get started with garden drawingWhere Matthew Rice finds inspiration, from historic watercolourists to everyday details in his own greenhouse and gardenProducts mentioned:Snakeshead Fritillaries: sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-meleagrisIris reticulata: sarahraven.com/products/iris-reticulata-blue-noteCourgettes: sarahraven.com/products/courgette-soleil-f1Mint: sarahraven.com/products/mint-moroccanMatthew Rice: https://www.instagram.com/matthewricewatercolours/See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
It's Listener Mail time once again, and this week's episode is packed with practical growing advice, community questions, and the usual dose of High on Home Grown banter! We kick things off by discussing one of the most common indoor growing pests: fungus gnats. The panel shares their favourite methods for preventing and controlling infestations, including biological controls like beneficial nematodes, and how to stop these annoying little pests before they become a real problem. We also dive into one of the biggest decisions new growers face: soil or coco? We compare the pros and cons of each medium, explain why coco often produces faster growth, and highlight the common mistakes growers make when switching from soil to coco for the first time. The conversation then turns to late-flower stress techniques, discussing whether methods like extended darkness, drought stress, or ice water actually increase resin production, or if they're simply long-standing grower myths. We also answer a great question about how we'd each spend £300 on a beginner grow setup, sharing what we'd prioritise, where we'd save money, and what we'd avoid. Finally, we tackle an important question about bringing a pollinated outdoor plant back indoors, explaining how long pollen remains viable and what precautions growers should take to avoid accidentally seeding the rest of their crop. As always, it's another relaxed episode full of useful growing knowledge, community questions, plenty of laughs, and even a philosophical discussion about just how much wood a woodchuck could chuck...
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
The National Garden Scheme is a national treasure, raising millions for charities and giving access to gorgeous gardens for those who need them most.It's a joy this week to be joined by former GP and National Garden Scheme CEO Dr Richard Claxton to explore how 3,200 gardens – from stately homes to hospital rooftops and new-build backyards – are transforming health and access to green space across the UK. In this episode, discover:How the National Garden Scheme quietly turns open gardens, tea and cake into £3.9 million a year for nursing and healthcare charitiesWhy Richard Claxton believes gardening is one of the most powerful tools we have for long-term wellbeingHow the NGS has evolved from stately homes and rectories to include community gardens, and small, relatable plotThe story behind transformative projects like the intensive care roof garden at King's College HospitalHow balconies, new-build gardens and shared plots can play a vital role in our health and connection to natureRichard Claxton:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardclaxtongardens/The National Garden Scheme: https://www.instagram.com/nationalgardenscheme/See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
We've learned from years of unpredictable weather patterns that the climate is demanding more of our plants than ever before, and while some struggle, others quietly thrive throughout it all.In this episode, Sarah is joined by Josie Lewis to explore which plants are quietly thriving through late frosts, heatwaves and torrential rain with a practical, down-to-earth shortlist of resilient perennials, shrubs, grasses and ground covers to help your garden cope with an increasingly unpredictable climate.In this episode, discover:How long-observed changes in weather are reshaping which plants can thrive in the gardenWhich resilient perennials, shrubs and grasses are coping best with “swivelly” weather, and why traits like tap roots and silver, hairy foliage matterWhich much-loved plants are starting to struggle with mildew, black spot and stressPractical, down-to-earth techniques for helping your garden weather extremes conditionsProducts mentioned:Bluebells (Native British): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebellsEryngiums (Sea Hollies): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-alpinum?srsltid=AfmBOopO4Ifg4rzCW2YkMWRcqgDXIRlXUqsM8bCbvKl2l68rTKaBJU4lLavender: sarahraven.com/products/lavender-munsteadRosemary ‘Tuscan Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosemary-tuscan-blue?srsltid=AfmBOoqw1cACNvCEpOmZsANIbxqDCLnJbnUK2yiqwuVl2Cvfo8ZtYvMyOriganum vulgare (Oregano): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-marjoram?srsltid=AfmBOopv0ainVpy6LtMUQZNXz7j2uk0S8_o0MhkfGzThC64AF9eaF1l-Lychnis coronaria (Magenta): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lychnis-coronariaStipa gigantea: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-giganteaQuaking Grasses (Briza species): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-grass?srsltid=AfmBOorNYwPg5Ia0BbbQNr1nHeMdY4zpd_RelqlM_oWx8Ukfkg6qb-YpOxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/leucanthemum-vulgaris?srsltid=AfmBOoqICKKwsHKsI_Az1IDEef6FTGyX2985v8xOzJWJz6vK2m39rH80Salvia ‘Cerro Potosi': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-microphylla-cerro-potosiSalvia ‘Jezebel': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-jezebel?srsltid=AfmBOoo9zChqz4ORp4p1PjjxPn-FE0S9HtVs0nqaEzWg3SHc0sPNNdRESalvia ‘Royal Bumble': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-x-jamensis-royal-bumble?srsltid=AfmBOorDeIIZi7sAEHWbPIlPsgg6Nvy-c1HUTkEyZNvgfHTKvBI0VLH5Phlox ‘David': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-davidPhlox ‘Blue Paradise': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-blue-paradiseSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Now is the time for golden dreams, for your imagination to dance with reality and weave ideas into form. Now is the time to root deep, to reach out, to rise up.Happy Summer and welcome to this week's Rituals of Returning newsletter with more allies for summer flourishing! We also have some beautiful color experiment goddesses ready for you in the shop. This week's magic:13 minute mini ritual video: Allow, let go, createtiny video slideshow from my own family Summer Solstice ritualApril/May prayerbook flip-through video.May handbook mini flip-throughReplay from our 2000 Days of Goddess live celebration including free printable booklets!Back to the Roots collection with so many free resources from this month!My poem Skunkwatching was published in Thimble Literary Magazine this month.bonus baby skunk video that we delighted in seeing just this past weekend!And, I made the shortlist in the Tadpole Press 100 Word Writing Contest with my tiny story: Warmblooded.New essay on Feminism and Religion: EarthprayerBack to the Roots!Back to the Roots is now drawing to a close after celebrating our 2000th day of #30DaysofGoddess! Make sure to check out the collection where all of the free posts are available.And, grab your welcome kit with beautiful journals and customizable covers.Life's Bits and Pieces:A chant for summer:Roots below and sun above,I'm held in wisdom,held in love. Waters flowand clear light shines,summer's magic is now mine. reading: (to self) Red Rising—a little violent and disturbing and disheartening (a blend of Hunger Games meets Ender's Game), this book is also immediately engaging and swoops you right up into this sci-fi world of far-future colonists of Mars and how they have stratified society into a brutal color-caste system. Naturally, we must rely on a plucky, gifted, unwillingly heroic 16 year old to save the day (world).(to kids) Into Battle, book five in the Seventh Tower series—almost finished with this one (also color-caste based society with Red at the bottom, interestingly!). We're starting to get a little annoyed by some elements of this series, I have to admit. I don't want to spoil it, but sometimes the plucky, unwillingly heroic, teenagers get a little too “promoted” through the ranks than makes any logical sense.(still listening to with Tanner): How to Trap a Tiger—we've got about 20 minutes left in this one. Rooted in Korean folklore, but set in modern times.Note: I am on Fable if you want to follow along with what I read there!Resource Reminders:Intro audio about the Goddess Magic Mystery SchoolI've started to add our monthly activation replay videos for this year's #30DaysofGoddess practice to the homepage! Scroll past the “2026 Practice Updates” section to access the videos. Note: Live monthly activations are available to any member of the Goddess Magic Mystery School Patreon community free and paid both!FREE class:forty week Intro to Goddess Studies class!Gift a Goddess Magic membership to a friend!Allow, Let Go, Create: More Allies for SummerHappy Summer!I return to the roots.I return to now,to the pulse beneath all the noise,to the ripeness of this moment. I let presencetransport meinto the sacred.In this week's video, I share our supplemental herbal ally, Linden, and our animal ally, House Mouse, inviting us to return to beginner's mind, embrace imperfection, and create our lives with quiet, persistent joy.Reminder: I do create monthly handbooks for members of our Goddess Magic Mystery School community and June's handbook is available here.Expanded post available here.May we have patience with our infinite dreams and our beautifully human limitations. May we make space for deep listening to our heart's longings and trust in inner wisdom.May we remember that we are woven into a magnificent web of magic,supported, connected, and enough.May we be soft but persistentas we continue to create lives we love to live.Questions to consider:What attracted you to a goddess faith, or an earth-based path, or to everyday magic and sacred living?Can you allow space for mystery in your days? Side note: this reminds me of a quote I read after making this video: “God is the name of the blanket we throw over the mystery to give it shape.” (Barry Taylor)How might you tackle the challenges in your life by going in small?How might we tackle some ordinary situations in our lives that are heaping up and asking for attention—one book, one box, one basket, one item at a time?Can you allow yourself to go back to the roots?AffirmationsI am flexible as I build my future.I protect my resources by surrounding them with what I love.I take on my tasks with a playful air.I take care of what I love.I open my hands and let go.I allow my life to be as it is.I allow ease.I allow joy.I allow discovery.I allow transformation.I allow myself to go back to the roots.I create my life with joy.I accept this moment.Flowering Where We AreJune holds the full creative power of the year—everything lush, buzzing, ripening, in bloom.And still…sometimes we don't feel ready for all the brightness and busyness.In our Simple and Sacred circle this month, we honored that it's okay if this isn't your year to be in full blossom, maybe you're strengthening roots instead of showing flowers.You are no less magical for blooming slowly. Does it feel like this is a root-growing summer or a flower-showing summer for you?"the faithfulness I can imagine would be a weedflowering in tar, a blue energy piercingthe massed atoms of a bedrock disbelief"—Adrienne RichIn our Community Practice last week, I shared an essay by Daniela Molnar called “Flowering in Tar" (Oregon Humanities). She invites us into our senses for a "geohaptic" connection. Imagine that your six senses—touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, and intuition—are six thick roots extending from your body down, down, down to the center of the planet, where they anchor into what Annie Dillard once called Holy the Firm. Holy the Firm can be whatever you name as ultimate:• Goddess/God• gravity or time• molten metal or mystery• the sacred, the absolute, the hum at the center of thingsFrom that core, these roots rise back through the layers of the earth—rock and soil, water and air—reaching into your veins, your skin, your bones, your mind, and heart."You are socketed into the living world through your senses."This deep rooting is a gift.And, a quote to remember and draw strength from:“When the world feels hard, remember this: We live on a planet where trees feed their dying elders through underground rivers of root and fungus. Where whales carry songs older than memory across entire oceans and octopuses dream in shifting colour. Where every breath we take is given by trees and the algae drifting through the sea. Where plants rise around us as medicine, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles on wings softer than paper, and tiny birds navigate by sensing the earth itself. Where starlight travels for millions of years before touching the earth, and tiny seeds break open stone in their longing for light.”-- Brigit Anna McNeilNote: this section was part of my Back to the Roots series free on Patreon.A summer blessing…And so,we crossed the thresholdinto summer,the vision we breathed into beingon the winter solsticehas now taken form.May we have the courage neededto stand in this liminal space,one foot in creative darkness,one foot in bright possibility.Let us look into our own cupped hands,seeing the seed dreamwe have nourished,that we've planted and protectedis now ready to bloom and thrive.Let us clear space around it.Let us weed awaywhat is not needed.Let us step backand invite the heat and passionof summer's lightto invigorate and strengthenthat which we have so patiently tended.It is now when the visionswe have nurturedbecome real.Sending love to all of you.Keep living your magic, Molly, Mark, + Family This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goddessmagic.substack.com/subscribe
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
What Pam Corbin doesn't know about preserves, isn't worth knowing. She's an oracle on all things jam - hence her apt nickname, ‘Pam the Jam'.For the home cook, and for those with a kitchen garden worthy of capturing its fruity goodness, this week's episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' with Pam is a perfect entry point to creating your own jams.She and Sarah share the secrets behind turning seasonal fruit and veg into beautiful jars of low‑sugar jams, compotes and chutneys that actually taste of the fruit, not just the sugar!In this episode, discover:How Pam moved from a tiny jam business in a converted pig unit to writing modern classics on preservesWhy traditional jam recipes were so heavy on sugar, and how to safely make lower‑sugar, soft‑set jams todayPractical, step‑by‑step tips for tricky fruits like strawberries and raspberries – including staging your jam, managing foam, and avoiding overcooked, rock‑hard resultsSimple ways to make more than just jam from your harvest, from apricot compotes and bottled cherries to clever uses for rhubarb, courgettes and runner beansHow to choose and use basic preserving kit so you can confidently turn garden gluts into jars on your shelfOrder ‘Pam the Jam: The Book of Preserves':https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pam-Jam-Book-Preserves-Corbin/dp/1408884496See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
There are few flowers more quintessential than the rose, and it's safe to say that there's a perfect rose for everyone's tastes. This week's ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' delves into the world of roses, with someone whose love for a great rose knows no bounds: Josie Lewis.Whether you're looking for a rose 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 groupThe best ramblers, bloomers and climbers, from the huge, creamy white Wedding Day to the beautiful copper-brown Hot ChocolateHow to make your roses last in water for maximum vase lifeSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday's Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy told Alan Morrissey about the benefits of long flowering summer perennials. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
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 emergingSome 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 ChristmasProducts mentioned:Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensationAllium cristophiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophiiAllium nigrumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-nigrumAllium stipitatum 'Summer Drummer'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-stipitatum-summer-drummerAllium schubertii 'Magic'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-magicAllium jesdianum 'Purple Rain'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rainSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Biennials – plants which flower in their second year – may often be overlooked by us gardeners, but between their value for money, wonderful scent, and versatility they're among the best plants to sow and grow in any garden.Sarah makes the case for brilliant biennials in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', exploring how she came to appreciate their beauty, and which varieties are best for all aspects of your space.In this episode, discover:How the right mix of biennials can fill the awkward May gap with prolific blooms, all for the price of a seed packetThe best early-flowering biennials, from fragrant wallflowers to the scented sweet rocket, Hesperis matronalisMoth-pollinated varieties with rich fragrance and velvety textures to create a pollinator paradiseProducts mentioned:Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-suttons-apricotDigitalis purpurea f. albiflorahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-albaMalope trifida 'Vulcan'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/malope-trifida-vulcanLunaria annuahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annuaIceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-nudicaule-champagne-bubbles-mix-f1See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Fate twists once again in Fujiwara no Michinaga's favor as an unfortunate accident of birth sees him solidify his grip on power. This week: the final steps of Michinaga's rise, his legacy, and that of Eiga Monogatari. Show notes here.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Every garden space deserves a chance to be transformed into a beautiful space which breathes, rather than constricts, and Pollyanna Wilkinson is a master of such designs.Polly joins Sarah this week to share her no‑nonsense methods for transforming everything from boxy new‑build plots to tired, inherited gardens into layered, soulful spaces. In this episode, discover:How to think like a garden designer, surveying, shaping and structuring spaces before you plantPractical ways to transform new‑build and small gardens, or refresh an existing gardenGuidance on choosing materials and finishes that feel good underfoot, are easy to maintain, and will age beautifully over time.How to use colour and planting layers to create a soulful, wildlife‑friendly garden with interest through the seasonsProducts mentioned:Amelanchier lamarckii:sarahraven.com/products/amelanchier-lamarckiiLavender ‘Munstead': sarahraven.com/products/lavender-munsteadNepeta x faassenii 'Kit Kat':sarahraven.com/products/nepeta-x-faassenii-kit-katSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Some home gardeners have invasive worms in their soil while others have flowers that just aren't blooming.
Fujiwara no Michinaga is on top of the world, but there's one final hurdle to overcome. His deceased brother's daughter is still the leader of the emperor's harem, and his closest confidant in the world. Without a grandson to make crown prince, he'll be finished. What is to be done? And how will his strategy accidentally promote a rivalry between two of the most famous women in all of Japanese history? Show notes here.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Chelsea is upon us, and among the beauty of all the show gardens lies a very special offering from Arit Anderson and Parkinson's UK.She's planting with purpose in a garden which promises to reflect every Parkinson's journey in a beautifully poignant way, and on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', she walks us through the planting ethos and careful design behind one of Main Avenue's great sights for 2026.In this episode, discover:How Arit is reflecting her sister Julie's Parkinson's journey in a meaningful Chelsea Flower Show garden for Parkinson's UKWhat Parkinson's really is beyond the stereotypes, and why it's so often misunderstoodHow thoughtful garden design can respond to real medical challengesPractical ideas for making any garden more accessible, sensory and restorative, whether or not you're living with Parkinson'sThe garden's relocation to the John Radcliffe Hospital, and how it will serve the Parkinson's community long after ChelseaProducts mentioned:Digitalis purpurea ‘Alba' (White Foxglove): sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-albaSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
This week: Fujiwara no Kaneie is a name we've encountered once before on the podcast. But now we get to see him in his element as a wheeler and dealer who lays out a perfect blueprint for assuming political power from an older sibling. And we'll get to see Kaneie's sons fight a very similar battle--leading to the rise of the man who would take the Fujiwara to the zenith of their power, Fujiwara no Michinaga. Show notes here.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', Sarah Raven welcomes renowned garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith to uncover his visionary new garden for Tate Britain and how he's reimagining it for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They explore his bold, foliage-rich planting, ingenious water features, and a remarkable new memorial garden at Badminton that promises to be one of the RHS's most ambitious show gardens yet.In this episode, discover:How Tom Stuart-Smith is transforming a neglected, concrete-dominated acre at Tate Britain into a biodiverse, exotic gardenThe creative and practical challenge of turning that large-scale design into a Chelsea Flower Show garden where every element is destined to be reused at TateThe bold, foliage-led planting palette Tom has chosen – from cycads and Persian lilac to euphorbias, aspidistras and shade-loving exoticsHow water, sculpture and planting come together, including a finely engineered water feature and a Barbara Hepworth sculpture from a national collectionEpisode Cover Photo Credit: Eva Nemeth.See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
This is a much better way to propagate African Violets from leaf cuttings. This is easier and faster than using water.
We're starting a new series taking a look at an oft neglected classic of Heian literature: The Eiga Monogatari, or Tale of Flowering Fortunes, which tells the history of the great Fujiwara family at the height of its power. This week: what do we know about Eiga Monogatari and how it fits into the wider literary history of classical Japan? Show notes here.
Budularo is a family brand. Founded by Tony Budularo, his son Isaac, and his son-in-law Dave Perkins. Tony Budularo has been growing for 53 years and is a world-renowned connoisseur known to have received many proven genetics from all over the world. His seed collection is coveted by growers from many continents. Led by his son Isaac and Dave, Budularo cultivates long-flowering sativas and hazes in a light-dep greenhouse in Mendocino County, many of which are exclusive to Budularo. Their passion is growing long-flowering varieties that don't get you stoned, but lift you up and give you an enjoyable, long-lasting experience.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Watch the full video episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/_T97COq6blMThroughout Mary Berry's life, the garden has played a charming role, from her wartime childhood plot to a brand-new garden started in her 80s - it's an essential ingredient in her life.This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' Mary kindly joins us to explore a lifetime of gardening, how it's inspired her new book, and how gardening can bring joy, structure and wellbeing at every stage of life.In this episode, discover:How Mary's lifelong love of gardening began in her childhood and continues to shape her daily lifePractical, gentle tips for spring gardening and successional plantingHow Mary approaches designing and maintaining a garden later in life, using evergreens, hedges and topiary for structureEveryday good habits in the garden, such as watering, deadheading, and keeping lawns neatOrder Mary's Book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Gardening-Life-Mary-Berry/dp/0241726654Products mentioned: Narcissus ‘Rijnveld's Early Sensation': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-rijnvelds-early-sensationNarcissus ‘Silver Chimes': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-silver-chimesNarcissus ‘February Gold': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-february-goldPhlox drummondii ‘Blushing Bride': sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-blushing-brideSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
What color is the scarlet gilia? Well, that depends on where and when it's blooming. Despite its name, the scarlet gilia can be red, pink, and even white.Near sea level, the flowers remain red all season. This is because the flower is pollinated throughout the summer by hummingbirds who are drawn to the red flowers. At higher elevations, the hummingbirds leave as summer moves into August. As they leave, the plants change their red flowers to pink and later, white flowers.The higher elevation plants change over to white flowers because they have a new pollinator. As the hummingbird population decreases, hawkmoths take over. During this transition, the flower produces pink blossoms as it invites both of its pollinators. Once the hummingbirds are gone, the hawkmoth takes over. The hawkmoths pollinate at night so they prefer white flowers, which are easier to see in the dark. Scientists were amazed by the fact that the color changes take place exactly when pollination shifts from hummingbird to moth. As one startled scientist put it, these plants cannot be considered passive in their environment.Who taught the scarlet gilia when and how to change the color of its flowers? Who taught it that hummingbirds will be attracted to red flowers? Or that hawkmoths will be attracted to white flowers? The scarlet gilia may be clever, but only our all-wise Creator could have given this knowledge and ability to the plant.Matthew 6:28-29"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."Prayer: Dear Father, I thank You that the wisdom with which You designed the creation is therefore all to see. As I strive against the world's denial of Your intimate involvement in Your creation, help me to see more clearly that the creation is Yours and that it glorifies You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.REF.: Bennett, D. D. Scarlet gilia: Flowering Chameleon. Science News. Image: Skyrocket Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), CanyonlandsNPS, PD, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111
DJ cypher's Dark Nation Radio this week features new ACTORS, Nine Inch Noize, Vampire Valentine, Huir, Nerdy Sanchez, Demonwarp, 404 Error, Cathedral Bells, Theo Vandenhoff, Tangients, Darkside Cowboys, and I Ya Toyah. This is a fun one! Thanks for giving it a spin and, if you like what you hear, remember to support the bands. DJ cypher's Dark Nation Radio Playlist 3 May 2026 Vampire Valentine, “Thorns” Days of Sorrow, “80s Cry” Nine Inch Noize, “Copy of A” Darkswoon, “Pacific City” Cathedral Bells, “Unreal” 404 Error, “Tanzen Ohne Sinn” ACTORS, “Left on Read” Damien Hearse, “Trash Factory” Peter Murphy, “Sherpa” Lowsunday, “You Lost Yourself” Vikowski, “Pollution” Reptyle, “Never Complain” Raven Said, “A Flowering and a Flattering” Huir, “Runaway” Wingtips, “Relativity” I Ya Toyah, “Feelings” Nerdy Sanchez, “Yes No Man Woman” Affect Effect, “Crash + Burn” Extize, “Sunglasses at Night” Basscalate, “Feel This Beat” Demonwarp, “Protocol Obey (Frontal Boundary mix)” Project .44, “Free” Acumen Nation, “Fool Me Thrice” Theo Vandenhoff, “April Showers” Tangients, “Void” Spectres, “Provincial Wake” Siouxsie & the Banshees, “She's a Carnival” Dark Side Cowboys, “Landmark” The Hangman's Daughter, “Some Safer Ground” DJ CYPHER'S DARK NATION RADIO—25 years strong! **Live Sundays @ 9 PM Eastern US on Spirit of Resistance Radio sorradio.org **Recorded @ http://www.mixcloud.com/cypheractive **Downloadable @ http://www.hearthis.at/cypheractive **Questions and material for airplay consideration to darknationradio[at] gmail[dot]com **Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/groups/darknationradio
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Sissinghurst is one of the country's crowning gems of National Trust gardens, and a place in which Adam was brought up, around the beauty curated by his grandparents.This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', we're delving into the centuries of legacy which led to a spot perfect for Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson to create the poetic space we know and adore today, and how their vision is being revived today for generations to come.In this episode, discover:The remarkable story of how Vita Sackville-West turned a ruined Elizabethan courtyard house into one of the world's most celebrated gardensHow Sissinghurst evolved through centuries – from Renaissance palace to poetic family home and garden, and all in betweenThe creative partnership between Vita and Harold NicolsonWhat makes the white garden so magical, from its glowing night-time palette to its scented, moth-pollinated plantsHow the newly reimagined Delos garden brings a Greek hillside to Kent, blending historical inspiration with modern designProducts mentioned:Ammi majus: sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majusAmmi visnaga: sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnagaAgrostemma githago 'Milas Snow Queen':sarahraven.com/products/agrostemma-githago-milas-snow-queenSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
We are so excited to welcome one of our favorite guests back to the podcast! Margot Shaw, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine and a true entertaining expert, returns to the show. Margot sits down with Caroline, Taryn, and Liz to celebrate the release of her gorgeous new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties. A follow-up to her bestselling book Living Floral, this new release focuses entirely on inspiring gardens and al fresco entertaining. Margot shares some of her favorite projects from the book, including the stunning restoration of the storied Gray Gardens estate, and explains why she believes place cards are a non-negotiable for any gathering. Quick Decorating & Entertaining Takeaways: Honor a Home's History: Margot discusses the beautiful revival of the iconic Gray Gardens estate by Liz Lange. When updating a historic property, Margot notes how important it is to keep the original spirit alive while adding your own personal touches (like Liz's dramatic round pool). It ensures the home feels referential and soulful, rather than just being a "pretty house". Never Skip the Place Cards: Whether you are hosting an elaborate dinner party or simply having dinner with a group of friends on a cruise, Margot insists that place cards are essential. Assigning seats eliminates the awkward "moment of panic" for guests figuring out where to sit, and it allows you to thoughtfully mix up the conversation. Embrace the "Stretch Goal": When flipping through beautifully styled tabletops and garden parties, it's okay if not everything is easy to replicate. Look for the simple, easy-to-accomplish details (like menus or pretty napkins) while also embracing the grander setups as aspirational "stretch goals" for your own hosting. What You'll Hear on This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Margot Shaw 00:52 Discussing Margot's brand new book, Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties 02:25 Bringing the book's inspiration to life for spring entertaining 03:28 The standout project: The history and revival of Gray Gardens 04:14 How Liz Lange honored "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" in her restoration 06:46 The process of curating content for the new book vs. the magazine 08:14 The case for always using place cards to make guests feel comfortable 01:00:07 Closing thoughts & where to get the book Also Mentioned: New Book: Flowering Outdoors: Gardens and Parties by Margot Shaw Previous Book: Living Floral by Margot Shaw Flower Magazine Gray Gardens Shop Ballard Designs Please send in your questions so we can answer them on our next episode! And of course, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. You can always check back here to see new episodes, but if you subscribe, it'll automatically download to your phone. Happy Decorating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
The magic of growing your own food is hard to overstate, and while some lament the labour necessary, it takes far less time and space than many imagine.This week's ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' once again features the remarkable Huw Richards, fresh from the release of ‘How to Grow Food' - his new book which dives into the detail of how anyone can grow a kitchen garden in real spaces, with a planting schedule that fits around busy lives.In this episode, discover:How Huw plans and plants to grow enough veg for a family of four on a half allotment in just a few hours a weekSimple permaculture-inspired tricks for better germinationWhat causes common problems like courgette fruits rotting and dropping off, and how you can fix themHow to choose between longer crops and cut-and-come-again with limited spaceHuw's must-sow crops for April, including squash, runner beans, cucumbers, and courgettesEpisode Cover Photo Credit: Dorling Kindersley: Jason IngramProducts mentioned:Runner Bean 'Black Knight'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-black-knightRunner Bean 'White Lady'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-white-ladyNasturtium 'Tip Top Mix' (Tropaeolum majus)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-tip-top-mixNasturtium 'Ladybird Rose' (Tropaeolum minus)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-ladybird-roseBorago officinalis (Borage)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/borago-officinalisSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Leslie and Marianne have ground to cover today. And possibly, so do you. Spring hits, everything wakes up and suddenly your garden looks like it's got a bad case of bedhead. Bare spots and awkward tendrils abound. What can pull everything together and literally connect the dots? Our suggestion is a strategic toupee in the form of a good ground cover that also protects the soil, cools the roots, & pampers the wildlife.But which ones? Some ground covers don't just fill in, they take over. And what makes a ground cover anyway? It's time to expand our definition beyond the ubiquitous three-inch mondo grass.Ground covers. The ones that behave, the ones that absolutely do not, and how to tell the difference before you plant yourself into a corner. And what do eighties big hair and cheesecake pans have to do with gardening anyway? Today on the Garden Mixer.___________________Please hit the subscribe button so we can keep you smiling while you hit the beautiful mess [your garden] out there.Full Show Notes at The Garden Mixer Podcast's Substack____________________Socials – Pick Your Platform:Follow us on Instagram @thegardenmixerIndulge us on TikTok @the.garden.mixerSpar with us on X @gardenmixerpod“French Bistro” theme by Adieu Adieu. License D0LZBINY30GGTBBW
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
The sunnier months in April present a fresh opportunity for gardeners to sow some of the fastest-germinating seedlings, bringing a productive garden closer than you might think.We return to Josie Lewis this week for an episode all about what she's sowing in mid-April, how to prick out and pot on seedlings, and the simple tricks they use to keep plants growing hard and healthy at this most promising time of year.In this episode, discover:How to prick out seedlings confidently, and when to do it for promoting strong growthPractical ways to get more from your dahlias, such as turning pinched tips into new plants with simple cuttingsWhy mid‑April is the ideal time to sow cosmos and zinnias, and how to avoid the common mistake of starting them too earlyStep‑by‑step tips for taking cuttings of pelargoniums, salvias and other favouritesTwo slightly different but complementary approaches to hardening off plants, and how to choose a method that works for your own gardenSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
In this Patreon mostly series released on the main feed, Anjel discusses flowering dogwood and how a tree associated with Christianity still has lessons to teach us witches. Show notes and transcripts found here.
Flowering plants were late to evolve, but once they did, they took over most of the planet, connecting and communicating with a network of other living things and making possible our own evolution. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Flowering currant, ivy, Portuguese laurel, and woad might all have grown in a medieval garden, but it would have taken special expertise to extract and create rich blue and purple pigments from them. Humans have been extracting dyes and inks from natural materials for millennia, and the practice was firmly established during the medieval era, recorded in manuscripts that survive today. Gold from Newton's Apple Tree: Historical Recipes for Natural Inks, Paints, and Dyes (Princeton UP, 2026) by Nabil Ali brings together recipes for making natural colors according to season, method, and ingredients.This unique book takes its title from an ink recipe derived from a descendant of Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree, in which ingredients extracted from the bark are transformed, seemingly by magic, from brown to a yellow gold. But gold pigments can also be extracted from cornflower, crocus, greater celandine, myrrh, and turmeric. Ali shares his own accessible adaptations for preparing these and other recipes rooted in medieval craft traditions. Along the way, he provides an engaging and informative natural history of the plants used, alongside the broad spectrum of marvelous colors they produce.Presenting original translations of medieval recipes taken from painters' and illuminators' technical manuscripts from the third century BCE through to the twenty-first century, alongside stunning botanical illustrations, Gold from Newton's Apple Tree is a captivating celebration of colors derived from nature. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
There's something uniquely calming about a garden washed in cool pastels – soft tones that feel like frosty mornings and freshly laundered linen. Moving us onto the 4th and final palette in Sarah's colour system, we explore the washed palette in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange'. She takes you through the colour combinations, productive plant families, and tips for crafting a soothing, contemplative feeling in your garden.In this episode, discover:How to use Sarah's washed colour palette of cool pastels to create a calm, clean and harmonious gardenWhich plant families and specific varieties reliably deliver this palette from late winter to autumnHow to plan colour through the year in two‑month blocks, ensuring there's always something in flower without breaking the paletteSimple design techniques to avoid jarring colour clashesWhy sticking to a coherent palette can make your garden feel both deeply restful and quietly boldProducts mentioned:Narcissus ‘Polar Hunter': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-polar-hunterNarcissus ‘Avalanche': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-avalancheNarcissus ‘Thalia': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-thaliaNarcissus ‘Actaea': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaeaTulip ‘White Triumphator': sarahraven.com/products/tulip-white-triumphatorTulip ‘Purissima': sarahraven.com/products/tulip-purissimaFritillaria acmopetala (likely "Green Eyes"): sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-acmopetalaSweet Pea ‘Nimbus': sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-nimbusNicotiana sylvestris: sarahraven.com/products/nicotiana-sylvestrisNicotiana alata ‘Grandiflora': sarahraven.com/products/nicotiana-alata-grandifloraFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Preaching: Mike RothEastertide is a fifty day celebration between Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost. During this season, the altar is dressed in white to symbolize Christ's triumph over darkness, sorrow, sin, and death. Golden communion vessels represent our joy as we celebrate, in the mystery of Jesus' resurrection, the victory of life over death. The vibrant colors of the flowers remind us that the power that raised Christ from the dead is still at work redeeming and renewing this world and each of our lives.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
A comforting garden can feel as soft and familiar as your favourite cashmere jumper, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', Sarah shares a palette which achieves exactly this feeling.In the latest of the Colour Guide Mini Series episodes, Sarah shares how to create a mood using the comforting palette, the key plant families and varieties, plus how to sequence them through the seasons, so your borders feel gentle and soothing from early spring to late autumn.In this episode, discover:How to create a warm, comforting colour palette in your garden using soft pastels like café au lait, peach, putty pink and ivorySpecific plant families and varieties that deliver these soothing tonesA clear, season-by-season planting framework so your comforting palette runs from early spring right through to late autumnProducts mentioned:Narcissus ‘Precocious': sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-precociousAntirrhinum ‘Appleblossom': sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-majus-appleblossomCosmos ‘Apricotta': sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-apricottaCalendula ‘Sunset Buff': sarahraven.com/products/calendula-officinalis-sunset-buffPhlox drummondii ‘Cherry Caramel': sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-cherry-caramelZinnia ‘Queeny Lime Orange': sarahraven.com/products/zinnia-elegans-queeny-lime-orangeDahlia ‘Break Out': sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-break-outSee our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-eventsGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop 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
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
For many, the garden should be a peaceful place where its colours invite you in and envelop you in their earthy tones, and that's the role of Sarah Raven's velvet palette.In this episode of the Colour Guide Mini Series, Sarah moves us to her next, and perhaps favourite palette of the four. She talks through their calming colours, and the flower families that help keep that tranquility in your garden through a reliable planting succession.In this episode, discover:How to create a velvet colour palette in your garden using deep crimsons, golds, bronzes and inky purples that feel cosy and envelopingWhich reliable plant families and standout varieties deliver these rich, velvety tonesHow to plan succession planting so the velvet palette runs from late winter and early spring right through to autumnPractical ideas from Sarah's own garden on combining colour and texture to create a sense of haven, enclosure and warmth outdoorsProducts mentioned:Tulip ‘Palmyra': sarahraven.com/products/tulip-palmyraTulip ‘Ridgedale': sarahraven.com/products/tulip-ridgedaleTulip ‘Hermitage': sarahraven.com/products/tulip-hermitageTulip ‘Cairo' (Copex Cairo): sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-cairoTulip ‘Belleville' (Bellville): sarahraven.com/products/tulip-bellvilleTulip ‘Dom Pedro': sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedroAmaranthus ‘Coral Fountain': sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-caudatus-coral-fountainDahlia ‘Verrone's Obsidian' (Veronese Obsidian): sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-verrones-obsidianDahlia ‘Rip City': sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-rip-cityDahlia ‘Sarah Raven': sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-sarah-ravenDahlia ‘Molly Raven': sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-ravenDahlia ‘Schipper's Bronze': sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-schippers-bronzeAntirrhinum ‘Liberty Classic Crimson': sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-f1-liberty-classic-crimsonFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Get in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
‘We are not talking about revolt but rather of a complete flowering of human goodness, which can alone produce a good, creative society.' This episode on Flowering has four sections. The first extract (2:46) is from Krishnamurti's fourth talk in Saanen 1965, and is titled ‘Goodness Only Flowers in Freedom'. The second extract (23:45) is from the fourth discussion at Brockwood Park School in 1982, and is titled ‘A Soil in Which Goodness Can Flower'. The third extract (47:09) is from Krishnamurti's fourth talk in Madras 1973, and is titled ‘Letting the Past Flower in the Present'. The final extract in this episode (1:06:19) is from the first talk in Madras 1979, and is titled ‘The Flowering of the Seed of a Million Years'. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is The Flowering. Upcoming themes are Behaviour, Art and Competition. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. Please visit our website at kfoundation.org, where you can find a popular collection of quotes, a variety of featured articles, along with a wide selection of curated material in the Index of Topics. This Index allows easy access to book, audio and video extracts. Our online store stocks the best of Krishnamurti's books and ships worldwide. We also offer free downloads, including a selection of booklets. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.
Flowers peeking up through the soil are a welcome sight after a long cold winter—and are one of the first markers of spring. Biologist David George Haskell argues that flowers aren't just beautiful: They're also critical to most ecosystems and the diversity of life as we know it. Flowering plants also make up a large part of human diets (rice, maize, and wheat are all flowers). And homing in on orchids, Haskell says, can help us understand the complex relationship between flowers and pollinators. Guest: Dr. David George Haskell is a biologist and author of: “How Flowers Made Our World: The Story of Nature's Revolutionaries” Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
Seeds sown in March are the great givers of colour and fragrance in a cutting garden or container, from spring right through to autumn.This week, Sarah is joined by Josie Lewis to walk through 12 of the most trusted plants to sow now, how to fill your beds, pots and vases, and feed the birds from a single month's sowing.In this episode, discover:Practical techniques for handling both big and dust-fine seeds, including when to sow in trays and when to direct sowSpecific tips for making the most of tricky or easily-flopped favourites like cerinthe, amaranth and poppies, so they thrive both in the garden and in the vaseHow to get more from each plant – from cut-and-come-again grasses to edible flowers and home-made calendula remediesHow to plan your March sowing so it supports wildlife, with seed heads that feed birds well into winterProducts mentioned:Cerinthe major 'Kiwi Blue' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blueAmaranthus ‘Hot Biscuits' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hot-biscuitsAmaranthus ‘Coral Fountain' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-caudatus-coral-fountainMoluccella / Bells of Ireland https://www.sarahraven.com/products/moluccella-laevisAntirrhinum ‘Giant White' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-giant-whiteAntirrhinum ‘Liberty Crimson' (Liberty Classic Crimson F1) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-f1-liberty-classic-crimsonAntirrhinum ‘Apple Blossom' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-majus-appleblossomAntirrhinum majus 'Sonnet Burgundy' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-sonnet-burgundyAntirrhinum majus 'Sonnet Orange Scarlet' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-sonnet-orange-scarletAntirrhinum majus 'Sonnet Carmine' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-sonnet-carmineCobaea (Cup-and-saucer vine) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cobaea-scandens-purplePoppy ‘Amazing Grey' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-rhoeas-amazing-greyPoppy ‘Mother of Pearl' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-rhoeas-mother-of-pearlBlack Single Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-somniferum-black-singleGet in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
Grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & Arthur Parkinson
The garden is a welcoming place for all, particularly for newcomers when guided by the gentle eye of Milli Proust, and under the instruction of her calming new book.Milli joins us once again, this time to share the inspiring journey that's led up to her most approachable book to date, and some of the easy-to-understand frameworks to create an effortlessly beautiful garden.In this episode, discover:How Milli Proust found floristry, and began creating a deeply loved, biodiverse garden in West SussexA gentle but practical way to think about why we garden focused around connection, memory, and belonging to natureMilli's “plant pyramid” and other simple frameworks for beginner gardeners planning borders Ideas for low-maintenance but beautiful gardens, including orchards underplanted with bulbs, and using local materialsMilli's taster course at Perch Hill on Wednesday 6th May 2026:https://www.sarahraven.com/products/milli-proust-taster-course-beginner-gardeners?srsltid=AfmBOopaQgpAKlaAx724RwtbLXGrmm_NkyOCTWu2N42YnAOUzRlu--wlOrder Milli's Book, ‘How Does Your Garden Grow?':https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Does-Your-Garden-Grow/dp/1837832250Products mentioned:Aquilegia Vulgaris 'Hensol Harebell'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aquilegia-hensol-harebellGalanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/galanthus-nivalisWild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-marjoramSyringa meyeri 'Flowerfesta Pink'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/syringa-meyeri-flowerfesta-pinkViburnum tinushttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/viburnum-tinusDaphne 'Perfume Princess'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/daphne-perfume-princessFollow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Get in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeuFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest
‘To communicate, you and I must be not only intense but meet at the same level, with the same intensity, at the same moment. Otherwise communication ceases.' This episode on Communication has four sections. The first extract (2:46) is from Krishnamurti's first talk in Saanen 1965, and is titled ‘Communication Is a Two-way Process'. The second extract (13:48) is from the second talk at Rajghat in 1964, and is titled ‘Communication and Communion'. The third extract (37:34) is from Krishnamurti's sixth talk in Bombay 1965, and is titled ‘Communication Requires Sensitivity'. The final extract in this episode (54:34) is from the first talk in Bombay 1969, and is titled ‘Communication Is to Create Together'. The Krishnamurti Podcast features carefully selected extracts from Krishnamurti's recorded talks. Each episode highlights his different approaches to universal and timeless themes that affect our everyday lives, the state of the world and the future of humanity. This episode's theme is Communication. Upcoming themes are Flowering, Behaviour and Art. This is a podcast from Krishnamurti Foundation Trust, based at Brockwood Park in the UK, which is also home to the Krishnamurti Retreat Centre. Situated in the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park, The Krishnamurti Centre offers retreats individually and in groups. The focus is on inquiry in light of Krishnamurti's teachings. Please visit krishnamurticentre.org.uk for more information, including our volunteer programme. You can also find our regular Krishnamurti quotes and videos on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at Krishnamurti Foundation Trust. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review or rating on your podcast app.