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

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 flowersArthur’s top tips for beginners, including which flowers are easiest to press and how to get the best results with simple materialsCreative ways to combine flowers and foliage for natural, lively pressed arrangements that encapsulate the spirit of your gardenInspiring ideas for displaying your pressed flower creations, from handmade cards to luminous frames that bring a touch of nature indoorsProducts mentioned:Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/galanthus-nivalisFollow 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

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 gardenWhich plants thrive under glass all year round, making the greenhouse more than a summer-bound source of joySarah 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 plantsInspiration to experiment with more unusual crops like sweet potatoes, lemongrass, and root gingerCover Image credit: DK and Jason IngramOrder 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.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 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 bloomsSarah’s favourite tried-and-true alliums, plus some exciting new discoveries to inspire your next plantingClever, eco-friendly ways to harvest and transform allium seed heads into beautiful, reusable Christmas decorationsPractical tips for growing alliums that return year after year with minimal fussProducts mentioned:Allium cristophii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophiiAllium schubertii: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertiiAllium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensationAllium jesdianum 'Purple Rain': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rainAllium schubertii 'Arctic Snow': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-arctic-snowAllium schubertii 'Magic': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-magicAllium stipitatum 'Summer Drummer': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-stipitatum-summer-drummerAllium sphaerocephalon: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-sphaerocephalonGet 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

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 circulationThe fascinating world of dahlia colour transformations, as their hues evolve and intensify over timeHow to create a cutting garden that provides flowers from summer right through to autumn, with varieties that work brilliantly both fresh and driedProducts mentioned:Dahlia 'Sweet Nathalie'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-sweet-nathalieDahlia Cactus Group Mixhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cactus-group-mixDahlia 'Café au Lait'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-laitFollow 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

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 displaysWhy some temperature-sensitive flowers flop, and tips to keep them perky for weeksSimple, quick advice on how to arrange for great vase life, while avoiding the ‘pick, plonk’ approachProducts mentioned:Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfeniihttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-characias-subsp-wulfeniiBluebells (Hyacinthoides non scripta)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebellsFollow 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

Cut flowers are one of the great joys of summer, and since Sarah’s last episode on cut flowers, there are a host of wonderful new varieties worthy of adorning your vases.This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ hones in on 20 of the best flowers for taking cuttings throughout the coming season, offering unbeatable scent, intriguing shapes, and staggering productivity all summer long.In this episode, discover:Cut flowers with productivity and personality, from the elegant Nicotiana Silvestris to more delicate grasses The top flower picks that last for weeks, or sometimes up to a monthHow to create showstopping arrangements with fragrance, which are also marvellously pollinator-friendlyWhich flowers have the longest flowering seasons for cut flowers all season longProducts mentioned:Nicotiana sylvestris 'Only the Lonely'"https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nicotiana-sylvestrisPaeonia 'Coral Sunset'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/paeonia-coral-sunsetRosa x odorata 'Mutabilis' (China)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosa-x-oderata-mutabilisRosa rubrifolia (Shrub)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosa-glauca-syn-rubrifoliaLonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-graham-thomasCerinthe major 'Purpurascens'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascensBriza maxima (Greater Quaking Grass)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-grassChasmanthium latifoliumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifoliumPanicum capillare 'Sparkling Fountain'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-sparkling-fountainCosmos bipinnatus 'Purity'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-purityCosmos bipinnatus 'Apricotta'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-apricottaAntirrhinum majus 'Potomac Apple-blossom' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-majus-potomac-apple-blossom-f1Antirrhinum 'Liberty Crimson' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/antirrhinum-liberty-crimsonFollow 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 Great British Sewing Bee brings so much delight to those who watch it, and instrumental to its charm is Co-Host Patrick Grant, this week’s fabulous podcast guest.This week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ dives into the magic behind the show, what makes it so enjoyable for everyone on and off-screen, Patrick’s marvellous mission with Community Clothing, and the ambitious plans for an inspiring garden transformation at his Yorkshire home.In this episode, discover:Behind the magic of The Great British Sewing Bee, how Patrick came to present the show, and what makes it such a special experiencePatrick’s incredible mission with Community Clothing, breathing life back into British textile manufacturing How Patrick is transforming his charming garden in Yorkshire into a thriving, beautiful spaceFollow 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

At this time of year sweet peas are one of the season’s greatest joys, whether through the earlier flowering varieties or the incredibly fragrant flowers.In this solo episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah dives into the best growing systems for stunning sweet peas, a new method for picking & deadheading, and the specific sweet peas that will make your garden sing through spring.In this episode, discover:How best to condition sweet peas for the most prolific growth and huge stemsA new method of picking that helps give you more flowers, and keep life in your sweet peasSarah’s tips for preventing mildew, not just for sweet peas but for most plantsThe absolute top varieties for perfume, performance, and early-flowering delightsProducts mentioned:Sweet Pea 'Matucana'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-matucanaSweet Pea 'Mrs Collier'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-mrs-collierSweet Pea 'Nimbus'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-nimbus Sweet Pea 'Blue Velvet'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sweet-pea-blue-velvetFollow 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

There’s nothing quite like cooking outside, and summer provides the perfect opportunity to light a fire and cook up a feast, all inspired by expert tips and recipes courtesy of chef and author, Gill Meller.Highlighting delicious recipes from his book ‘Outside’, Gill joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share stories of his early forays cooking outdoors, the recipes he couldn’t live without, and some common pitfalls to avoid when you’re inevitably inspired to cook on the fire.In this episode, discover:Advice for cooking delicious meals outdoors, transforming flavours and the importance of great ingredientsThe origins of the personal connection that Gill shares with cooking and the outdoorsIndispensable tools and techniques for successful cooking, and advice on how to manage a fire effectively and safelyThe primal joy of outdoor cooking, and how it engages all our senses Outside by Gill Meller:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outside-Recipes-Wilder-Way-Eating/dp/1787137473Follow 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

Between starting out at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, a spot on Alan Titchmarsh’s new TV show, and raising two young daughters, organic grower Anna Greenland is a modern horticultural heroine.Returning to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this month, Anna joins Sarah to share how she inspires her children to grow with her, tips for encouraging younger family members to embrace gardening, and what to sow or harvest now to enjoy the kitchen garden’s greatest gifts.In this episode, discover:How Anna became a passionate vegetable grower and her journey from front of house at Jamie Oliver's restaurant, to growing and supplying produce at the Lost Gardens of HeliganA glimpse into the life of gardening with children, and creative ways to engage kids in the gardenPractical growing tips for July, with Anna’s pick of what to harvest now, and what to sow for autumn and winter cropsAnna's endeavours as a gardening expert, working on Alan Titchmarsh's gardening show, and her involvement with the garden writing subscription ScribehoundProducts mentioned:Chicory 'Variegato di Castelfranco'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chicory-variegato-di-castelfrancoCarrot 'Nantes 5'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/carrot-nantes-5Salad Leaf Autumn & Winter Mixhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/autumn-and-winter-salad-leaf-mixWinter purslane (Claytonia)https://www.sarahraven.com/products/winter-purslaneFollow 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