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 itself
• Inspired 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 out
• Ways to weave self‑seeders into borders, pots and even cracks in paving for long‑season colour, movement and structure

Products mentioned:

Cerinthe major 'Kiwi Blue'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blue

Heart's Ease (Viola tricolor)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-heartsease

Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anthriscus-sylvestris-ravenswing

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-dazzler

Ammi majus

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus

Panicum miliaceum 'Violaceum'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-violaceum

Briza maxima (Greater Quaking Grass)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-grass

Nicandra physalodes

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nicandra-physalodes

Persicaria orientalis

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/persicaria-orientalis

Nasturtium 'Ladybird Rose' (Tropaeolum minus)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-ladybird-rose

Nasturtium 'Bloody Mary' (Tropaeolum minus)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-bloody-mary

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 alike
• Which specific varieties Sarah and Josie regularly rely on, and what makes each one special
• Practical when-and-how tips for sowing, planting, and positioning scented plants to get fragrance from spring right through to autumn
• Ways to use these plants as cut flowers, including vase-life tricks and how to make small bunches scent whole rooms
• How to layer scent through borders, climbers, containers, and shrubs so that every corner of the garden offers a different perfumed moment

Products mentioned:

Trachelospermum jasminoides

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/trachelospermum-jasminoides

Sweet Pea 'Matucana'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-matucana

Narcissus 'Actaea'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaea

Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/matthiola-incana-pillow-talk

Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-graham-thomas

Acidanthera murielae (syn. Gladiolus)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/acidanthera-murielae

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 plants
• Varieties that are pollinator-friendly to bring a buzz of life into the garden
• How to condition your dahlias for mighty vase life

Products mentioned:

Dahlia 'Princess Nadine'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-princess-nadine

Dahlia 'Skyfall'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-skyfall

Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

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

Dahlia 'Adam's Choice'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-adams-choice

Dahlia 'Polka'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-polka

Dahlia 'Strawberry Cream'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-strawberry-cream

Dahlia 'Honka Pink'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-honka-pink

Dahlia 'Molly Raven'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-raven

Dahlia 'Labyrinth'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-labyrinth

Dahlia 'Lou Farman'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farman

Dahlia 'Break Out'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-break-out

Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-verrones-obsidian

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 occasions
• Why he favours seasonal, British-grown flowers and how he builds close relationships with growers and suppliers
• The behind-the-scenes logistics of big museum dinners and public events, from long tables to thousands of tiny vases and candles
• How Shane creates sustainable, glitter-free Christmas magic, including his Marie Antoinette-inspired V&A tree and reusable decorations

Products mentioned:

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/convallaria-lily-of-the-valley

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 care
• Personal stories, hands-on tips, and garden-tested wisdom to help you with your plant selection and garden upkeep
• New and improved varieties bred for reduced invasiveness, greater disease resistance, and extended flowering seasons
• Plants that attract bees and other wildlife, showcasing how low-fuss gardens can support biodiversity too

Products mentioned:

Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aster-x-frikartii-monch

Salvia x jamensis 'Nachtvlinder'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-x-jamensis-nachtvlinder

Phlox paniculata 'David'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-david

Geranium 'Rozanne'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanne

Geranium wallichianum 'Bloom Me Away'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-wallichianum-bloom-me-away

Pennisetum macrourum

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pennisetum-macrourum

Chasmanthium latifolium

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifolium

Stipa gigantea

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-gigantea

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 gardens
• How personal stories and childhood memories shape our gardening choices and appreciation for certain plants
• Practical tips for encouraging thriving gardens with minimal intervention, including soil, watering, and deadheading advice
• Enhancing gardens for wildlife by choosing plants that support pollinators through every stage of their life cycle

Order Arthur’s new book - Hen Party: 

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459749/hen-party-by-parkinson-arthur/9780241674703

Products mentioned:

Alcea rosea 'Giant Single Mixed'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hollyhock-giant-single-mixed

Euphorbia oblongata

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-oblongata

Helleborus argutifolius

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-argutifolius

Papaver rupifragum 'Orange Feathers'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-rupifragum-orange-feathers

Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/centranthus-ruber-coccinea

Alchemilla mollis

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/alchemilla-mollis

Verbena bonariensis

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

Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-officinalis-var-grandiflora-bampton

Aubrieta deltoidea 'Cascade Mix'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubrieta-deltoidea-cascade-mix

Lychnis coronaria (Rose campion)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lychnis-coronaria

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow 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 autumn
• Sarah and Josie’s favourite plants that promise to lift your pots from simple to spectacular
• How 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 terraces

Products mentioned:

Pelargonium 'Designer White' (Zonal)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-designer-white

Abelia x grandiflora

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandiflora

Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thunbergia-african-sunset

Ipomoea lobata

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipomoea-lobata-mina-lobata

Salvia 'Peach Melba'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-peach-melba

Nemesia 'Lady Ruby'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nemesia-lady-ruby

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
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’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 spring
• How to outsmart common pests like vine weevil, and pick up clever, low-fuss tips for keeping containers healthy and happy
• Inspiration for staging and arranging winter pots, transforming even a small balcony or windowsill into a cheerful display

Products mentioned:

Helleborus x glandorfensis 'Ice N' Roses Red'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-glandorfensis

Helleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Red'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-pretty-ellen-red

Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1

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

Pelargonium 'Designer White' (Zonal)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-designer-white

Heuchera sanguinea 'Leuchtkafer'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-sanguinea-leuchtkafer

Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarcococca-hookeriana-winter-gem

Narcissus 'Moonlight Sensation'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-moonlight-sensation

Dutch Yard Narcissus Collection

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dutch-yard-narcissus-collection

Wallflower 'Fire King'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-fire-king

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bay

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 garden
• Practical tips for caring for favorites like hydrangea, abelia, acer, olive, and more, even in small spaces and pots
• Inspiring stories and ideas to turn plant selection and garden challenges into creative opportunities
• How to tackle common issues like box blight, and expert alternatives to keep your garden thriving and beautiful

Products mentioned:

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-fresco

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGM

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelight

Abelia x grandiflora

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandiflora

Cornus kousa 'Norman Hadden

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cornus-kousa-norman-hadden

Fig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgy

Fig 'Brown Turkey' (Ficus carica)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-brown-turkey

Mahonia 'Volcano'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mahonia-volcano

Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Star'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pyracantha-coccinea-red-star

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 decorations
• Tried-and-tested techniques for drying and preserving everything from hydrangeas and dahlias to autumn leaves and poppy seed heads
• Expert tips for maintaining colour, texture, and longevity in your dried arrangements
• Inspiring ideas for DIY festive crafts that bring your garden’s magic indoors

Products mentioned:

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-fresco

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGM

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelight

Lunaria annua

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annua

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation

Allium schubertii

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

Allium cristophii

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

Climbing French Bean 'Monte Gusto'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/french-bean-monte-gusto

Runner Bean 'Black Knight'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-black-knight

Fig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgy

Chasmanthium latifolium

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifolium

Papaver somniferum 'Black Beauty'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-somniferum-black-beauty

Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hypochondriacus-pygmy-torch

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Order Brenna’s book - ‘Pansies’:

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

Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1

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

Black Beauty

Black Prince

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Products mentioned:

Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Creme Brulee'

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

Chard 'Bright Lights'

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

Kale 'Redbor' F1

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

Chicory 'Variegato di Castelfranco'

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

Verbena bonariensis

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

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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 varieties
• How to “reflex” tulip petals for a show-stopping floral display
• Inspiring stories from Sarah’s own garden and travels, and why brown tulips are becoming the must-have blooms for modern gardeners

Products mentioned:

Tulip 'La Belle Epoque'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-la-belle-epoque

Tulip 'Apricot Copex'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-apricot

Tulip 'Copex Cairo'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-cairo

Tulip 'Dom Pedro'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedro

Tulip 'Sarah Raven'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-sarah-raven

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

As the days grow shorter and the garden’s colours fade for winter, it’s easy to feel a little wistful for spring’s vibrant cheer, and it’s not always as far away as one might think…. 

In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah shares her favourite ways to bring a burst of early colour into your home and garden, from clever bulb planting, to creative and natural flower arranging. 

In this episode, discover:

• How to choose and plant the best bulbs for a burst of early spring colour in your garden
• Simple, creative ways to arrange delicate winter flowers using homemade grids and vintage bottles for beautiful indoor displays
• Tips for lifting, storing, and replanting bulbs so you can enjoy their blooms year after year
• Heartfelt inspiration to find joy and beauty in your garden, even during the greyest winter days

Products mentioned:

Iris 'Pauline' (Reticulata)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-pauline

Iris 'Alida' (Reticulata)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-alida

Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)

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

Aconitum napellus

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aconitum-napellus

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

One of the joys of year-round gardening is the succession that comes from a bulb lasagne, and for those with a greenhouse, the possibilities are stunning.

This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is full of inspiration for early narcissi, late tulips, and dahlias fit for each layer of a bulb lasagne, with a quick recap on how to layer them for maximum impact.

We’ll also hear Sarah’s homemade remedy for mildew, a pesky problem that greenhouse gardeners will need to watch out for as they grow their delightful arrangements.

In this episode, discover:

• How to master the art of the ‘bulb lasagne’ for layers of beautiful blooms from winter right through to late spring
• The best bulb varieties and combinations to guarantee a continuous parade of colour, scent, and picking opportunities all year round
• Simple, effective ways to use your greenhouse for early flowers and delicious winter edibles
• Tips for keeping your plants healthy and thriving, with a homemade solution for mildew

Products mentioned:

Narcissus 'Avalanche'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-avalanche

Narcissus 'Erlicheer'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-erlicheer

Narcissus 'Cragford' (Forcing)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-cragford-for-forcing

Iris x hollandica 'Red Ember'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dutch-iris-red-ember

Allium jesdianum 'Purple Rain'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rain

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation

Allium cristophii

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

Dahlia 'Strawberry Cream'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-strawberry-cream

Tulip 'White Valley' syn 'Exotic Emperor'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-white-valley

Anemone coronaria 'Mistral Bordeaux'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-coronaria-mistral-bordeaux

Ranunculus Butterfly 'Ariadne'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ranunculus-butterfly-ariadne

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Pesky rodents can be a nightmare for pot gardeners trying to grow bulbs over the winter, but there’s plenty you can do to protect them, and put on a show while doing so!

In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, you’ll discover Sarah’s tried-and-true methods for keeping squirrels away, the best looking varieties for form and function alike, and creative ways to make your pots work double duty with beautiful and edible pot toppers. 

In this episode, discover:

• Clever, tried-and-tested ways to keep grey squirrels and other rodents from digging up your bulbs
• How to use pot toppers like violas, pansies, and hardy herbs to protect your containers, and add beauty to them too
• Tips for making the most of your pots by growing edible plants alongside your bulbs

Products mentioned:

Eryngium alpinum

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-alpinum

Viola x wittrockiana 'Peach Shades' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-peach-shades-f1

Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Burgundy' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-frizzle-sizzle-burgundy-f1

Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Yellow Blue Swirl' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-frizzle-sizzle-yellow-blue-swirl-f1

Ammi visnaga

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga

Kale 'Dwarf Green Curled'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/kale-dwarf-green-curled

Swiss Chard 'White Silver 2'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-white-silver-2

Salad Leaf Autumn & Winter Mix

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/autumn-and-winter-salad-leaf-mix

Mizuna

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna

Mustard 'Red Frills'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills

Salad Rocket 'Serrata'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata

Flat Leaf Parsley 'Gigante di Napoli' (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoli

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum 'Leisure')

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/coriander-leaf-form-leisure

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

As autumn arrives and bulb planting season begins, it's the perfect time to start planning next year’s garden so that it’s bursting with colour all year long. 

In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah takes you on a journey through the bulbs carrying the colour baton in the Oast garden at Perch Hill, sharing how to layer bulbs in pots for maximum impact, and how to select varieties that will thrive in your space. 

In this episode, discover:

• How to plan and plant a succession of bulbs for continuous, vibrant colour from February to November
• Sarah’s favourite bulb varieties for every season, with tips on composing your own bold and beautiful colour palettes
• Advice for layering bulbs in pots and borders to create a show-stopping display year after year

Products mentioned:

Iris Reticulata Mix

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-reticulata-mix

Iris 'Pauline' (Reticulata)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-pauline

Anemone coronaria 'Sylphide' (De Caen Group)'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-coronaria-sylphide

Fritillaria imperialis 'Orange Beauty'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-imperialis-orange-beauty

Fritillaria persica 'Green Dreams'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-persica-green-dreams

Fritillaria raddeana

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-raddeana

Tulip 'Ballerina'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-ballerina

Tulip 'Queensday'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-queensday

Tulip 'Black Parrot'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-black-parrot

Tulip 'Palmyra'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-palmyra

Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation

Allium schubertii 'Magic'

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

Allium cristophii

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

Lilium 'Claude Shride' (Martagon)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lilium-claude-shride-martagon-lily

Lilium 'Henryi'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lilium-henryi

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

For those who look carefully and stay connected to nature, there’s abundance to be found all year round.

That’s the commitment at the heart of Mark Diacono’s new book, which he’s penned in the years since his last appearance on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ in April 2021!

Mark joins us once again to share his latest discoveries, festive recipes, and inspirations for those with one foot in the garden, and the other in the kitchen.

In this episode, discover:

• Mark Diacono’s inspiring journey from countryside wanderer to award-winning author, and how his passion for food and nature blossomed
• Clever tips for making the most of autumn’s harvest
• Inventive, seasonal recipes such as tomato and rosemary soup, baked potatoes with leeks and garlic, and a fig and fennel crumble that’s perfect for family gatherings
• How tuning into the rhythms of the garden and the natural world can enrich your cooking, your creativity, and your everyday life

Products mentioned:

Tomato 'Honeycomb' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-honeycomb-f1

Tomato 'Costoluto Fiorentino'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-costoluto-fiorentino

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

While some of your flowers might’ve lost the colour that gave you joy throughout the summer, their charm in your home is far from over.

Drying seedheads is one of Sarah and Arthur’s great delights, and with summer rolling into autumn it’s the perfect time to start drying seedheads and grasses ready to create stunning, sustainable Christmas decorations.

In this episode, discover:

• How to perfectly time your harvest for the most vibrant and long-lasting dried flowers and seed heads
• Simple, tried-and-tested techniques for drying and storing your blooms for lasting colour and structure right through the winter
• Inspiring ideas for using dried flowers in festive decorations, creative arrangements, and sustainable home décor
• Personal favourites and new discoveries from Sarah and Arthur, including must-try varieties like strawflowers, xeranthemums, and the wonderfully quirky “fish bone grass”

Products mentioned:

Helichrysum bracteatum 'White' (Sunflower)

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helichrysum-bracteatum-white

Xeranthemum annuum

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/xeranthemum-annuum

Amaranthus tricolor 'Red Army'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-tricolor-red-army

Amaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hot-biscuits

Chasmanthium latifolium

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifolium

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Of all the inspiring chefs to show a heartfelt appreciation for the work of the gardener, Raymond Blanc OBE might be the greatest advocate. 

The world-renowned restaurateur lauds the ‘magic of the garden and the miracles of the kitchen’ throughout his work. We’re fortunate to dive into his illustrious past, and how it guides some of the most tantalising dishes from his latest kitchen garden cookbook, as he joins us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week.

In this episode, discover:

• Raymond’s top tips for preparing the freshest, most delicious salads and vegetables straight from your garden
• How to choose and grow the best varieties of tomatoes, courgettes, and herbs for year-round flavour
• Heartwarming stories of family food traditions, the magic of seasonality, and the deep connection between garden and kitchen

Order Raymond’s book, ‘Simply Raymond Kitchen Garden’:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simply-Raymond-Kitchen-Garden-Seasonal/dp/1472293827#:~:text=Simply%20Raymond%20Kitchen%20Garden%20is,Le%20Manoir%20aux%20Quat'Saisons.&text=wondrous%20connection%20between%20them.,this%20book%20mirrors%20that%20connection.

Products mentioned:

Aubergine 'Moneymaker No. 2' F1

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubergine-money-maker-no-2

Carrot 'Nantes 5'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/carrot-nantes-5

Tomato 'Tigerella'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-tigarella

Tomato 'Noire de Crimée'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-noire-de-crimee

Carrot 'Oxheart'

https://www.sarahraven.com/products/carrot-oxheart

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Products mentioned:

Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)

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

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Cover Image credit: DK and Jason Ingram

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

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Products mentioned:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Products mentioned:

Dahlia 'Sweet Nathalie'

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

Dahlia Cactus Group Mix

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

Dahlia 'Café au Lait'

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

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

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

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

In this episode, discover:

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

Products mentioned:

Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii

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

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non scripta)

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

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

Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/
Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest