grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends

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

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 gardenSimple, creative ways to arrange delicate winter flowers using homemade grids and vintage bottles for beautiful indoor displaysTips for lifting, storing, and replanting bulbs so you can enjoy their blooms year after yearHeartfelt inspiration to find joy and beauty in your garden, even during the greyest winter daysProducts mentioned:Iris 'Pauline' (Reticulata)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-paulineIris 'Alida' (Reticulata)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-alidaGalanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/galanthus-nivalisAconitum napellushttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/aconitum-napellusFollow 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

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 springThe best bulb varieties and combinations to guarantee a continuous parade of colour, scent, and picking opportunities all year roundSimple, effective ways to use your greenhouse for early flowers and delicious winter ediblesTips for keeping your plants healthy and thriving, with a homemade solution for mildewProducts mentioned:Narcissus 'Avalanche'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-avalancheNarcissus 'Erlicheer'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-erlicheerNarcissus 'Cragford' (Forcing)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-cragford-for-forcingIris x hollandica 'Red Ember'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dutch-iris-red-emberAllium jesdianum 'Purple Rain'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rainAllium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensationAllium cristophiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophiiDahlia 'Strawberry Cream'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-strawberry-creamTulip 'White Valley' syn 'Exotic Emperor'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-white-valleyAnemone coronaria 'Mistral Bordeaux'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-coronaria-mistral-bordeauxRanunculus Butterfly 'Ariadne'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ranunculus-butterfly-ariadneFollow 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

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 bulbsHow to use pot toppers like violas, pansies, and hardy herbs to protect your containers, and add beauty to them tooTips for making the most of your pots by growing edible plants alongside your bulbsProducts mentioned:Eryngium alpinumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-alpinumViola x wittrockiana 'Peach Shades' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-peach-shades-f1Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Burgundy' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-frizzle-sizzle-burgundy-f1Viola x wittrockiana 'Frizzle Sizzle Yellow Blue Swirl' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-x-wittrockiana-frizzle-sizzle-yellow-blue-swirl-f1Ammi visnagahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnagaKale 'Dwarf Green Curled'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/kale-dwarf-green-curledSwiss Chard 'White Silver 2'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-white-silver-2Salad Leaf Autumn & Winter Mixhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/autumn-and-winter-salad-leaf-mixMizunahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizunaMustard 'Red Frills'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frillsSalad Rocket 'Serrata'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrataFlat Leaf Parsley 'Gigante di Napoli' (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoliCoriander (Coriandrum sativum 'Leisure')https://www.sarahraven.com/products/coriander-leaf-form-leisureGet 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 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 NovemberSarah’s favourite bulb varieties for every season, with tips on composing your own bold and beautiful colour palettesAdvice for layering bulbs in pots and borders to create a show-stopping display year after yearProducts mentioned:Iris Reticulata Mixhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-reticulata-mixIris 'Pauline' (Reticulata)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-paulineAnemone coronaria 'Sylphide' (De Caen Group)'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-coronaria-sylphideFritillaria imperialis 'Orange Beauty'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-imperialis-orange-beautyFritillaria persica 'Green Dreams'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-persica-green-dreamsFritillaria raddeanahttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-raddeanaTulip 'Ballerina'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-ballerinaTulip 'Queensday'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-queensdayTulip 'Black Parrot'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-black-parrotTulip 'Palmyra'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-palmyraAllium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensationAllium schubertii 'Magic'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-magicAllium cristophiihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophiiLilium 'Claude Shride' (Martagon)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lilium-claude-shride-martagon-lilyLilium 'Henryi'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lilium-henryiGet 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 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 blossomedClever tips for making the most of autumn’s harvestInventive, 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 gatheringsHow tuning into the rhythms of the garden and the natural world can enrich your cooking, your creativity, and your everyday lifeProducts mentioned:Tomato 'Honeycomb' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-honeycomb-f1Tomato 'Costoluto Fiorentino'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-costoluto-fiorentinoFollow 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