

grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends
Sarah Raven
Welcome to grow, cook, eat, arrange, the weekly podcast from gardener, writer, teacher,and cook, Sarah Raven. Over the last two decades, Sarah has led the way by introducing a new kind of productive gardening which places emphasis on intense colour, sophistication, and achievability. Recorded at the beautiful Perch Hill Farm in Sussex, Sarah talks with special guests from across garden design, floristry, food, ecology, conservation, and more. Brimming with top tips and helpful hints, listen and learn how to create your most productive garden ever. You can find out more about the products discussed in each episode or get in touch by visiting the website: https://www.sarahraven.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 30, 2025 • 24min
Josie Lewis: How to protect your garden from deer - Episode 246
 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 

Oct 23, 2025 • 12min
Sarah’s guide to why you should treasure the beauty of brown tulips - Episode 245
 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 

Oct 16, 2025 • 23min
Sarah's top tips for bringing spring closer and celebrate the garden year-round - Episode 244
 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 

Oct 9, 2025 • 15min
Sarah's top picks for wonderful winter flowers to grow in the greenhouse - Episode 243
 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 

Oct 2, 2025 • 16min
Sarah Raven: Squirrel-proofing your bulbs with ornamental pot toppers and edibles - Episode 242
 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 

Sep 25, 2025 • 18min
Sarah Raven: Brilliant bulbs for a succession of colour - Episode 241
 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 

Sep 18, 2025 • 37min
Mark Diacono: Finding ‘Abundance’ in every season - Episode 240
 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 

Sep 11, 2025 • 20min
Arthur Parkinson: Capturing the garden’s beauty with dried seedheads - Episode 239
 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 headsSimple, tried-and-tested techniques for drying and storing your blooms for lasting colour and structure right through the winterInspiring ideas for using dried flowers in festive decorations, creative arrangements, and sustainable home décorPersonal 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-whiteXeranthemum annuumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/xeranthemum-annuumAmaranthus tricolor 'Red Army'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-tricolor-red-armyAmaranthus cruentus 'Hot Biscuits'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hot-biscuitsChasmanthium latifoliumhttps://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifoliumFollow 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 

Sep 4, 2025 • 58min
Raymond Blanc OBE: Michelin Star inspiration for the kitchen garden - Episode 238
 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 gardenHow to choose and grow the best varieties of tomatoes, courgettes, and herbs for year-round flavourHeartwarming stories of family food traditions, the magic of seasonality, and the deep connection between garden and kitchenOrder 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' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubergine-money-maker-no-2Carrot 'Nantes 5'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/carrot-nantes-5Tomato 'Tigerella'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-tigarellaTomato 'Noire de Crimée'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-noire-de-crimeeCarrot 'Oxheart'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/carrot-oxheartFollow 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 

Aug 28, 2025 • 15min
Pressed flower magic for bringing nature into the home with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 237
 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 


