Podcast appearances and mentions of sarah raven

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

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

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

Flowers have the power to transform both our gardens and our homes, but creating a steady supply of beautiful blooms throughout the year takes more than simply planting whatever catches your eye. Few people understand that better than Sarah Raven, whose decades of growing, trialing and arranging flowers have inspired gardeners around the world to think differently about the cutting garden. Sarah joins me to share the practical techniques behind growing abundant, long-lasting cut flowers, along with the simple habits that can help gardeners of any skill level enjoy fresh bouquets from their own gardens for much of the year. Podcast Links for Show Notes Download my free eBook 5 Steps to Your Best Garden Ever - the 5 most important steps anyone can do to have a thriving garden or landscape. It's what I still do today, without exception to get incredible results, even in the most challenging conditions. Subscribe to the joegardener® email list to receive weekly updates about new podcast episodes, seasonal gardening tips, and online gardening course announcements. Check out The joegardener® Online Gardening Academy for our growing library of organic gardening courses. Follow joegardener® on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and subscribe to The joegardenerTV YouTube channel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Keen has worked in, documented and designed gardens all over the world for decades. But it's the garden she's made at home, during her ninth decade, that she writes most affectionately about. In her seventh book, Diary of a Keen Gardener, she reflects on both a life shaped by plants and her more recent years, when she has weathered grief, illness and aging. It's an honest love letter to what makes a garden. And it's here that we meet Mary, on a breezy spring day, to take a studied tour around her Gloucestershire garden.Diary of a Keen Gardener is available in hardback now, and you can follow Mary's exploits on instagram: @keenkeengardener.This podcast is inspired by my book, Why Women Grow: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival, which is available in all good bookshops. We've also been photographing our guests and their gardens and you can see the beautiful images captured by India Hobson on my website and instagram account @⁠⁠alicevincentwrites⁠⁠. Thank you to our friends at ⁠⁠⁠Niwaki⁠⁠⁠. You can get 10% off your order with the code WHYWOMENGROW.If you're new to the Why Women Grow podcast, do check out our previous episodes, including guests such as Sarah Raven and Ula Maria. And if you've enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you could rate and review the podcast on whichever platform you're listening in on, or share it with someone you think may enjoy it.This episode was produced by Holly Fisher. The theme music is by Maria Chiara Argiro. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David chats to renowned plantswoman Sarah Raven and royal florist Shane Connolly at the Festival of Gardens and Nature in County Laois. In West Belfast, he meets Paula Kerr who uses every bit of her back garden to produce fresh organic fruit and veg. Adam Frost reveals his favourite bulb for May, and Brian and Amy Kelly talk about the value of gardening even when it becomes more physically difficult to do. Rosie Maye joins David in studio to take questions and provide seasonal inspiration. Contact the programme on gardenerscorner@bbc.co.uk.

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

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

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

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

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

She left medicine to grow flowers at her kitchen table. Thirty years later, Sarah Raven has written fourteen books, built a garden empire at Perch Hill, and changed how a generation thinks about cut flowers.In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Sarah to talk about her journey from wildflower-obsessed child to one of the most respected voices in the gardening world. They dig into the science of cutting (and why your garden actually gets better when you harvest from it), the magic of dahlia hybridizing, lessons learned from contaminated compost, and the heart behind Sarah's newest book, A Year of Cut Flowers.What you'll hear in this episode: Why "liveheading" is Sarah's secret to a more productive garden The pinching rule that changed everything: "If in doubt, pinch out" How the local flower movement is reshaping the industry on both sides of the Atlantic What Sarah's new book offers gardeners at every level (and why her own daughter finally picked it up)If this episode inspires you, share it with a friend who loves flowers. And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.Resources & Links Mentioned Sarah Raven's Website: sarahraven.com Sarah's Book: A Year of Cut Flowers https://amzn.to/4vhXc41 Sarah's Podcast: Grow Cook Eat Arrange Sarah's Instagram: @sarahravenperchhill | @sarahravensgardenGuest BioSarah Raven is a gardener, teacher, author of fourteen books, and the founder of a gardening brand rooted at Perch Hill in East Sussex, England. Trained as a doctor, she transitioned to full-time growing after the birth of her second child. For more than thirty years, she has championed seasonal, locally grown cut flowers through her writing, teaching, and her weekly podcast, Grow Cook Eat Arrange. Her latest book, A Year of Cut Flowers, is a month-by-month guide drawing on three decades of growing, trialing, and arranging at Perch Hill.Sign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletterShow Notes: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/2026/04/08/ep-90-sarah-raven-a-year-of-cut-flowers/https://thefloweringfarmhouse.com/the-backyard-bouquet-podcast/

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

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

When you become known for your garden - and what you grow there - what does it mean to up peasticks and move? ⁠Milli Proust⁠ is a gardener, writer and floral designer based in a remote corner of West Sussex. She spent a decade transforming her garden, but when we visited her she was just about to leave it. We met Milli - and her gorgeous whippet Jimmy - under the shade of an enormous oak tree to reflect on what has been, and imagine what is still to come. Milli's latest book, ⁠How Does Your Garden Grow⁠, is available now and shares practical guidance and encouragement for anyone wanting to grow flowers. She can also be found posting wisdom and inspiration on Instagram: @⁠milliproust⁠.This podcast is inspired by my book, ⁠Why Women Grow: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival⁠, which is available in all good bookshops. We've also been photographing our guests and their gardens and you can see the beautiful images captured by India Hobson ⁠on my website⁠ and instagram account @⁠⁠⁠alicevincentwrites⁠⁠⁠. Thank you to our friends at ⁠Niwaki⁠. You can get 10% off your order with the code WHYWOMENGROW.Next up, we hear from author and columnist India Knight. If you're new to the Why Women Grow podcast, do check out our previous episodes, including guests such as Jamaica Kincaid and Sarah Raven. And if you've enjoyed this episode, it would mean so much if you could rate and review the podcast on whichever platform you're listening in on, or share it with someone you think may enjoy it.This episode was produced by Holly Fisher. The theme music is by Maria Chiara Argiro. 

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

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

We're in the company of an eminent foreign correspondent, a no less eminent expert in the field of flowers, and the woman who's built the most beautiful spaces for cancer care. Our journalist is our man in Moscow - our last man in Moscow, really - Steve Rosenberg. Bringing colour, fragrance and joy to our studio is the queen of cut flowers, Sarah Raven.And we'll all be scattering rose petals at the feet of Dame Laura Lee for all her work leading the cancer support charity Maggies.All that, plus the Inheritance Tracks of the comedian Mike Wozniak.Presenter: Adrian Chiles Producer: Ben Mitchell Assistant Producers: Lowri Morgan and Alice McKee Researcher: Jesse Edwards Editor: Ed Prendeville

The luminous palette - a rich, stained glass collection of citrus, scarlet and pinky-purples - is the first of Sarah's colour combinations that we'll walk through in depth for this episode of the Colour Guide Mini Series.Sarah explains the six key colours, which ones to use together throughout the year, and the flower families which she considers the most prominent and productive as they pass the colour baton through the year.In this episode, discover:How to use Sarah's luminous palette without overwhelming your gardenThe key plant families and varieties that reliably deliver bold, stained‑glass colourSarah's favourite colour combinations and how to place ‘shouty' colours so they look intentionalA simple season‑by‑season planning method using two‑month blocks and the ‘bride, bridesmaid, gatecrasher' idea to keep colour going from March to OctoberProducts mentioned:Euphorbia ceratocarpahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-ceratocarpaTulip 'Ballerina'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-ballerinaTulip 'Black Parrot'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-black-parrotTulip 'Rococo'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-rococoTulip 'Go Go Red'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-go-go-redTulip 'Mariette'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-marietteTulip 'Purple Heart'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-purple-heartLunaria annuahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annuaCrocosmia 'Lucifer'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/crocosmia-luciferPhlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-blue-paradiseDahlia 'Thomas A. Edison'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-thomas-a-edisonSweet Pea 'Blue Velvet'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-blue-velvetSweet Pea 'King Edward VII'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-king-edward-viiSweet Pea 'Matucana'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-matucanaSalvia 'Jezebel'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-jezebelFollow 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

Colour is best when it's tangible, and if you're planning a patch in your garden then this episode of the Mini Series is perfect to help you bring your plans to life.In this episode of the Colour Guide Mini Series, Sarah dives into the practical side of using colour as the backbone of your garden design - from using candles to visualise colour combinations, to the ‘bride, bridesmaid, gate crasher' structure that'll help guide you towards an ensemble that works in harmony.In this episode, discover:How to choose a garden colour palette based on the feeling you want to create (washed, velvet, comforting or luminous)A simple “bride, bridesmaid, gate crasher” recipe for combining plants in harmonious yet lively colour schemesPractical ways to test and refine palettes using coloured candles, mood boards and real flowers in your hand or in a vaseHow to plan colour in succession by breaking the year into seasonal chunks and identifying plants that “carry the baton” across monthsReal planting examples and border ideas drawn from Sarah's own garden, including her vase-to-border comforting palette schemeProducts mentioned:Nepeta x faassenii 'Kit Kat'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nepeta-x-faassenii-kit-katAlchemilla mollishttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/alchemilla-mollisClematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-viticella-etoile-violetteCosmos bipinnatus 'Sonata Carmine'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-sonata-carmineSalvia viridis 'Blue Monday'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-viridis-blueDahlia 'Peaches'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-peachesCampsis x tagliabuana 'Indian Summer'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/campsis-x-tagliabuana-indian-summerPhlox drummondii 'Blushing Bride'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-blushing-brideAbelia x grandiflorahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandifloraHydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGMhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelightStipa giganteahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-giganteaFollow 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

Welcome to the first in a brand new miniseries of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', as Sarah delves into the world of colour, and how to use each colour palette to its absolute maximum potential in the garden.In this week's first episode, Sarah shares how the colour system used at Perch Hill came to be, the theories behind mixing certain palettes, and the difference between calm and chaos when combining colours.In this episode, discover:How Sarah's experiences as a florist, gardener and colour-obsessed child shaped her approach to garden colourHow the colour palettes underpin every border at Perch HillWhy misuse of colour can make some gardens feel chaotic The six key colours within each palette, from citrus brights and Venetian velvets to café-au-lait pastels and cool silversWhy no colour is truly “wrong” in a garden, and how the right combinations and contrasts can make even challenging shades singProducts mentioned:Tulip 'Mariette': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-marietteTulip 'Sarah Raven': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-sarah-ravenTulip 'Slawa': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-slawaTulip 'Dom Pedro': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedroTulip 'Copex Cairo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-cairoDahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-waltzing-mathildaDahlia 'Schipper's Bronze': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-schippers-bronzeDahlia 'Tom's Choice': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-toms-choiceDahlia 'Molly Raven': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-ravenDahlia 'Perch Hill': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-perch-hillDahlia 'Lou Farman': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farmanCosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-rubenzaCosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-dazzlerCosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-xanthosDigitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-suttons-apricotFollow 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

In this episode, Sarah is joined by YouTube phenomenon Huw Richards to talk about his journey from smallholding childhood to seven-acre experimental plot, and the ideas behind his hit book Veg in One Bed. They'll also cover exactly what to sow in late winter, and what'll perform best when sown later – from chillies and aubergines to peas, onions and tomatoes. In this episode, discover:How Huw Richards went from helping on his parents' Welsh smallholding to building a seven-acre experimental food-growing siteThe story behind Huw's first book, Veg in One Bed, and the sheer potential in a single 10x4ft bedHow Huw blends creativity with just enough science to keep things productiveExactly what Huw is sowing in late winter, and why timing mattersHow Huw's now using his land to grow for education, biodiversity and foodEpisode Cover Photo Credit: Dorling Kindersley: Jason IngramProducts mentioned:Pepper 'Padron'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pepper-padronCourgette 'Black Beauty'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/courgette-black-beautyAubergine 'Slim Jim'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubergine-slim-jimSpring Onion 'North Holland Blood Red'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spring-onion-north-holland-blood-redTomato 'Sungold'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-sungoldTomato 'Tigerella'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-tigarellaTomato 'Honeycomb' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-honeycomb-f1Follow 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

From their resistance to deep snow and hard frosts, to long-flowering habits, hellebores are quietly spectacular plants that earn their keep in pots, borders and shady corners.This week we're diving into one of the true stars of the winter garden, focusing on the new varieties that bring a renewed perspective on one of the winter garden's most generous providers, and how to keep them looking their best in the garden or in a vase.In this episode, discover:How to choose hellebore varieties for pots, borders and different garden conditions, from shade to full sun with Corsican typesThe best new and classic hellebores for long winter colour, including Maestro, Merlin, Strawberry Moon, Bijou and the Pretty Ellen seriesHow to cut, condition and arrange hellebores so they stand proud in a vase for two weeksPractical ways to prevent and deal with pests and diseases like aphids, mice damage, leaf miner and black spotTips on soil, compost, potting and feeding so hellebores thrive as long-lived, reliable perennialsProducts mentioned:Helleborus nigerhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-nigerHelleborus argutifoliushttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-argutifoliusHelleborus x ballardiae 'Merlin'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-ballardiae-merlinHelleborus x 'Bijoux'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-bijouxHelleborus x 'Guess'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-guessHelleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Red'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-pretty-ellen-redHelleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Spotted'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-orientalis-pretty-ellen-spottedFollow 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

March 2026 marks the release of perhaps Sarah's most personal book to date, drawing from childhood love, family influence, and the evolution of one's own gardening tastes.In this week's ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' Milli Proust joins us to discuss Sarah's new book, ‘A Year of Cut Flowers', blending the memoir and the method to trace her family's historic love of flora, and how it drew Sarah into the world of cut flowers.In this episode, discover:How childhood wildflower hunts with Sarah's father and her life with Adam shaped her lifetime love of cut flowersHow even a small, carefully planned patch of cut flowers can fill your home with abundant, seasonal bloomsThe surprisingly powerful impact of spacing and pinching on plant health, vase life and stem productionWhy gardening, and especially growing for the vase, can become such a life‑enhancing practice which evolves with youProducts mentioned:Abelia x grandiflorahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandifloraCerinthe major 'Purpurascens'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascensEuphorbia oblongatahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-oblongataSalvia viridis 'Blue Monday'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-viridis-blueHelianthus annuus 'ProCut Plum' (Sunflower)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helianthus-annuus-procut-plumAmmi majushttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majusPhlox drummondii 'Blushing Bride'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-blushing-brideFollow 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

The dream garden of low‑maintenance abundance is all about picking the plants that need hardly any input, just the lightest touch of editing, and they'll give you months of shifting colour.In the third episode in this theme with Arthur, we dive into the self-seeding annuals and biennials that bring abundant colour to the garden with very little effort. From forget-me-nots and violas to cerinthe, cosmos and quaking grasses, they share their favourite ‘volunteer' plants, how to manage them, and simple ways to use them in borders and cut-flower arrangements for a truly low-maintenance, flower-filled garden.In this episode, discover:How to use self-seeding annuals and biennials to create a low‑maintenance, flower‑filled garden that largely looks after itselfInspired plant recommendations, from forget‑me‑nots and violas, to grasses, nasturtiums and Californian poppies Practical tips on managing self‑sowers - when to let them run, and when to thin them outWays to weave self‑seeders into borders, pots and even cracks in paving for long‑season colour, movement and structureProducts mentioned:Cerinthe major 'Kiwi Blue'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blueHeart's Ease (Viola tricolor)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-heartseaseAnthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anthriscus-sylvestris-ravenswingCosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-dazzlerAmmi majushttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majusPanicum miliaceum 'Violaceum'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-violaceumBriza maxima (Greater Quaking Grass)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-grassNicandra physalodeshttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/nicandra-physalodesPersicaria orientalishttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/persicaria-orientalisNasturtium 'Ladybird Rose' (Tropaeolum minus)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-ladybird-roseNasturtium 'Bloody Mary' (Tropaeolum minus)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-bloody-maryFollow 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

For months of scent throughout the sunnier months, there are a whole host of nostalgic stalwarts and surprising new picks that are impossible to ignore.Every garden deserves a perfume as captivating as the 12 plants at the top of Josie and Sarah's list this week, as they laud the dozen best flowers to sow for unbeatable aroma from April through to October.In this episode, discover:How to choose standout scented plants that really earn their place for perfume and looks alikeWhich specific varieties Sarah and Josie regularly rely on, and what makes each one specialPractical when-and-how tips for sowing, planting, and positioning scented plants to get fragrance from spring right through to autumnWays to use these plants as cut flowers, including vase-life tricks and how to make small bunches scent whole roomsHow to layer scent through borders, climbers, containers, and shrubs so that every corner of the garden offers a different perfumed momentProducts mentioned:Trachelospermum jasminoideshttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/trachelospermum-jasminoidesSweet Pea 'Matucana'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-matucanaNarcissus 'Actaea'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaeaMatthiola incana 'Pillow Talk'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/matthiola-incana-pillow-talkLonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-graham-thomasAcidanthera murielae (syn. Gladiolus)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/acidanthera-murielaeFollow 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

Every year, we venture out to the Netherlands in search of the most captivating dahlias, each worthy of a spot in your garden to liven up the late-summer months.Tom Stimpson joins us again on the podcast to share their current ‘cream of the crop', from reliable classics like ‘Molly Raven' and ‘Adam's Choice', to gorgeous growers like ‘Strawberry Cream' and ‘Princess Nadine'. Join us for an episode packed with garden inspiration for any colour palette, and a glimpse into how we choose our standout favourites from a field of hundreds and thousands.In this episode, discover:How Sarah and Tom select stellar dahlias from Dutch trial fields, and the characteristics that make truly exceptional plantsVarieties that are pollinator-friendly to bring a buzz of life into the gardenHow to condition your dahlias for mighty vase lifeProducts mentioned:Dahlia 'Princess Nadine'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-princess-nadineDahlia 'Skyfall'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-skyfallDahlia 'Café au Lait'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-laitDahlia 'Adam's Choice'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-adams-choiceDahlia 'Polka'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-polkaDahlia 'Strawberry Cream'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-strawberry-creamDahlia 'Honka Pink'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-honka-pinkDahlia 'Molly Raven'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-ravenDahlia 'Labyrinth'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-labyrinthDahlia 'Lou Farman'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farmanDahlia 'Break Out'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-break-outDahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-verrones-obsidianFollow 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

Shane Connolly is a master of many arts, and one that he exhibits throughout the year is how to use sustainable floristry to create a sense of charm often reserved for the tiniest of tables.That's why he's in such high demand - we talk through his exciting, varied year of arranging in this week's podcast, with a look at the festive season, and a few tips to serve your own arranging in the festive season, taking inspiration from Shane's wondrous wedding displays.In this episode, discover:How Shane approaches weddings, intimate dinners, grand public events and royal occasionsWhy he favours seasonal, British-grown flowers and how he builds close relationships with growers and suppliersThe behind-the-scenes logistics of big museum dinners and public events, from long tables to thousands of tiny vases and candlesHow Shane creates sustainable, glitter-free Christmas magic, including his Marie Antoinette-inspired V&A tree and reusable decorationsProducts mentioned:Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/convallaria-lily-of-the-valleyFollow 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

Whether you're nurturing a bustling city plot or a country border, there's a spot in everyone's gardens, pots and borders for beautiful, productive perennials throughout the year.Following on from last week's episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange', Arthur is with us again to focus this time on perennials that are light-touch and bountiful for those of us putting together a low-maintenance garden.In this episode, discover:Perennials, shrubs, and self-seeding annuals that provide long-lasting beauty with minimal carePersonal stories, hands-on tips, and garden-tested wisdom to help you with your plant selection and garden upkeepNew and improved varieties bred for reduced invasiveness, greater disease resistance, and extended flowering seasonsPlants that attract bees and other wildlife, showcasing how low-fuss gardens can support biodiversity tooProducts mentioned:Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aster-x-frikartii-monchSalvia x jamensis 'Nachtvlinder'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-x-jamensis-nachtvlinderPhlox paniculata 'David'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-davidGeranium 'Rozanne'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanneGeranium wallichianum 'Bloom Me Away'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-wallichianum-bloom-me-awayPennisetum macrourumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/pennisetum-macrourumChasmanthium latifoliumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifoliumStipa giganteahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-giganteaFollow 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

The ideal garden for our busy daily lives has a border bursting with colour, without the need for hours spent toiling to achieve it.This week's episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' is the perfect antidote to fussy flowers - Arthur Parkinson returns to laud the best self-seeding perennials for a low-maintenance garden brimming with lasting impact and scent.You'll hear inspiring ornamentals and edibles to sow, how best to maintain their beauty with minimal effort, and which varieties are most tolerant of tricky soil.In this episode, discover:The beauty and resilience of self-seeding, low-maintenance perennials in creating effortless gardensHow personal stories and childhood memories shape our gardening choices and appreciation for certain plantsPractical tips for encouraging thriving gardens with minimal intervention, including soil, watering, and deadheading adviceEnhancing gardens for wildlife by choosing plants that support pollinators through every stage of their life cycleOrder Arthur's new book - Hen Party: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459749/hen-party-by-parkinson-arthur/9780241674703Products mentioned:Alcea rosea 'Giant Single Mixed'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hollyhock-giant-single-mixedEuphorbia oblongatahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-oblongataHelleborus argutifoliushttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-argutifoliusPapaver rupifragum 'Orange Feathers'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-rupifragum-orange-feathersRed Valerian (Centranthus ruber)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/centranthus-ruber-coccineaAlchemilla mollishttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/alchemilla-mollisVerbena bonariensishttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensisVerbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-officinalis-var-grandiflora-bamptonAubrieta deltoidea 'Cascade Mix'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubrieta-deltoidea-cascade-mixLychnis coronaria (Rose campion)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lychnis-coronariaGet 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

Following on from last week's wintry themed episode on containers, this week we're setting our sights on the summer ahead, on what'll bring colour to your pots at the season's peak.Josie's absolute burning passion is containers, and this week she gives her plant picks for pots taking us through summer and autumn.Join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' as we delve into the ‘thriller, filler, pillar, spiller' method for arranging containers, which combinations have stood out in their trials, and how to gently treat your flowers for maximum impact.In this episode, discover:The “thriller, filler, pillar, spiller” secret to building showstopping containers that brim with colour and texture right through summer to autumnSarah and Josie's favourite plants that promise to lift your pots from simple to spectacularHow to keep blooms coming with gentle, tried-and-true maintenance tips, from deadheading tricks to overwintering Plant pairings and playful combinations, perfect for either grand displays or tiny terracesProducts mentioned:Pelargonium 'Designer White' (Zonal)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-designer-whiteAbelia x grandiflorahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandifloraThunbergia alata 'African Sunset'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thunbergia-african-sunsetIpomoea lobatahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipomoea-lobata-mina-lobataSalvia 'Peach Melba'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-peach-melbaNemesia 'Lady Ruby'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nemesia-lady-rubyGet 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

The garden's magic needn't be seasonal - containers can be the heroes of hue in even the coldest months.It's time to assemble your winter containers ready to keep the scent and colour peaking, carrying us through till spring, with 12 inspiring varieties from Sarah and our Head Gardener, Josie Lewis.Join them on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' for a plethora of plants perfect for containers of any size, and how to keep them all looking their very best.In this episode, discover:Which container plants will keep your garden brimming with colour, texture, and even scent through the quiet months of winter and into springHow to outsmart common pests like vine weevil, and pick up clever, low-fuss tips for keeping containers healthy and happyInspiration for staging and arranging winter pots, transforming even a small balcony or windowsill into a cheerful displayProducts mentioned:Helleborus x glandorfensis 'Ice N' Roses Red'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-glandorfensisHelleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Red'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-pretty-ellen-redViola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-tiger-eye-red-f1Pelargonium 'Designer White' (Zonal)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-designer-whiteHeuchera sanguinea 'Leuchtkafer'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-sanguinea-leuchtkaferSarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarcococca-hookeriana-winter-gemNarcissus 'Moonlight Sensation'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-moonlight-sensationDutch Yard Narcissus Collectionhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/dutch-yard-narcissus-collectionWallflower 'Fire King'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-fire-kingPittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bayFollow 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

Whatever your garden's size, picking plants with the right size and shape can be just as important for impact as their colour and scent.Tom Stimpson returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange' this week as we uncover the plants that form the backbone of beauty, function and vibrance all year round.You'll hear hardy varieties, plants for both the garden and the kitchen, and inspiration as to where you should sow each flower for maximum impact.In this episode, discover:How to choose and incorporate shrubs and trees that provide essential structure and year-round appeal to your gardenPractical tips for caring for favorites like hydrangea, abelia, acer, olive, and more, even in small spaces and potsInspiring stories and ideas to turn plant selection and garden challenges into creative opportunitiesHow to tackle common issues like box blight, and expert alternatives to keep your garden thriving and beautifulProducts mentioned:Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-frescoHydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGMhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelightAbelia x grandiflorahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandifloraCornus kousa 'Norman Haddenhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/cornus-kousa-norman-haddenFig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgyFig 'Brown Turkey' (Ficus carica)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-brown-turkeyMahonia 'Volcano'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mahonia-volcanoPyracantha coccinea 'Red Star'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pyracantha-coccinea-red-starFollow 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

It's the run-in to Christmas, so if you're thin on decorations and want to think more sustainably about dazzling your guests this year, turn to the garden and start drying flowers now.In the first of many ‘12 Best' episodes over the coming months, Tom Stimpson joins us as he and Sarah talk through the best flowers for stunning dried arrangements, and top tips to maintain their unique texture and colour throughout the season.In this episode, discover:Creative, sustainable ways to use dried flowers and foliage for beautiful homegrown Christmas decorationsTried-and-tested techniques for drying and preserving everything from hydrangeas and dahlias to autumn leaves and poppy seed headsExpert tips for maintaining colour, texture, and longevity in your dried arrangementsInspiring ideas for DIY festive crafts that bring your garden's magic indoorsProducts mentioned:Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-frescoHydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGMhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelightLunaria annuahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annuaAllium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensationAllium schubertiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertiiAllium cristophiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophiiClimbing French Bean 'Monte Gusto'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/french-bean-monte-gustoRunner Bean 'Black Knight'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-black-knightFig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgyChasmanthium latifoliumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifoliumPapaver somniferum 'Black Beauty'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-somniferum-black-beautyAmaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hypochondriacus-pygmy-torchFollow 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

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 worldOrder Brenna's book - ‘Pansies':https://threebrothersblooms.com/pansies-book/Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-tiger-eye-red-f1Black BeautyBlack PrinceFollow 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

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 gardenWhich plants deer love to munch on, and the ones they tend to leave aloneHow drought, changing seasons, and garden design can influence deer behaviourProducts mentioned:Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Creme Brulee'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-creme-bruleeChard 'Bright Lights'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-bright-lightsKale 'Redbor' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/kale-redbor-f1Chicory 'Variegato di Castelfranco'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chicory-variegato-di-castelfrancoVerbena bonariensishttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensisFollow 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

Sarah once overlooked the beauty of the brown tulip, but over time has only grown to love them more and more.There's a shade for every space, and so if you're seeking inspiration on how to bring the beauty of Dom Pedro and La Belle Epoque into your garden, then brown tulips take centre stage on this week's ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange'.In this episode, discover:The fascinating history and allure of rare brown tulip varietiesHow to “reflex” tulip petals for a show-stopping floral displayInspiring stories from Sarah's own garden and travels, and why brown tulips are becoming the must-have blooms for modern gardenersProducts mentioned:Tulip 'La Belle Epoque'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-la-belle-epoqueTulip 'Apricot Copex'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-apricotTulip 'Copex Cairo'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-cairoTulip 'Dom Pedro'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedroTulip 'Sarah Raven'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-sarah-ravenFollow 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