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

Every year at Perch Hill we trial some of the most promising flower families in search of the most spectacular, scented, showstopping varieties, and in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’re bringing you a sneak peek.Hear from Sarah & Arthur about some of the best performers and most dazzling prospects, from the prolific Rudbeckias in the Enchanted series to the gorgeously aromatic Sweet Pea Amelia Fox.In this episode, discover:Which of the flowers being trialled now are captivating Sarah & Arthur mostThe new modular rubber seed tray which is ideal for handling young plantsRecent trial standouts, like the staggeringly productive Rudbeckia Enchanted Night to the colour-rich, sweet-scented Sweet Pea WindsorSarah & Arthur’s pick of the mints, and top tips on repotting them for maximum flavourOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Tomatoes have proven to be one of the most versatile edibles you can grow, and very few people have such unbridled passion for them as Claire Thomson and Sarah Raven.Claire’s latest book - aptly named ‘Tomato’ - contains a staggering number of recipes, and the best-selling author joins Sarah to discuss her favourite, delicious tomato-based dishes, innovative ways in which to cook them, and standout varieties.In this episode, discover:Claire’s journey of culinary discovery, learning the versatility of tomatoesFantastic uses for tomatoes in butter chicken, burnt tomato salsa, and so many moreTop tomato varieties, whether tinned or fresh, and how the tomato’s shape & size can influence your cuisineIncredible, flavour-rich recipes like Claire’s mouth-watering roasted tomato falafelFollow Claire:http://5oclockapron.com/https://www.instagram.com/5oclockapron/Order Tomato by Claire Thomson:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1787137856?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Wildflowers can be made to absolutely flourish with low maintenance for an overwhelming wow-factor, and a meadow can become a wonderful source of nectar for our pollinators.The early Autumn months open the perfect window to sow a wildflower meadow, which can have a spot in your garden teeming with wildlife. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ discover the perfect floral combinations to breathe life into a wildflower meadow.In this episode, discover:Fantastic perennial additions to a wildflower meadow, from dense, colourful Yarrow to the aromatic, long-flowering MarjoramThe vital role of Yellow Rattle in promoting prolific wildflower growthKey differences between annual and perennial meadows, and which is ideal for youOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Alliums possess a bombastic silhouette that’s nothing short of iconic, and make a perfect addition to borders. While we’ve covered Alliums before on the podcast, there are a number of brand new varieties to rekindle your passion for them.In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah & Arthur shine a spotlight on the recent newcomers to the family, from the shuttlecock-like ‘Magic’ to the towering, 7ft figure of ‘Summer Drummer’.In this episode, discover:The most exciting new Alliums, reminiscent of old favourites with uniquely dazzling qualitiesClassic varieties like Purple Sensation & Schubertii, which remain among Sarah & Arthur’s top picksA tip that Sarah picked up from Clarissa Dickson Wright on chopping onionsGrowing leek as a handsome flower, rather than purely as an edible plantPlanning ahead to Christmas, and preparing to adorn your tree with AlliumsOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Heatwaves are an ever growing phenomenon, and not a welcome one for those of us trying to keep our gardens teeming with life and colours beyond the browns of dehydrated grassland.In a timely bonus episode, Sarah’s bringing us five actions we can all take to help our plants beat the heat, from reusing water in the face of potential hosepipe bans, to releasing water slower with the help of solutions like Hortiwool.In this episode, discover:Where we can reuse water in case of hosepipe bansHow to water your pots efficiently with barrows and tubtrugsHortiwool’s environmentally friendly insulation for slow-release wateringTop performing varieties of drought tolerant plantsOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Summer months are waning, and the prospect of darker evenings should encourage us all to bring light, colour and beauty into our gardens throughout the autumn season.That brings a perfect opportunity to dive into the autumn catalogue, and highlight the new varieties and beloved favourites which promise to enrich your space, whether bathing it in strong hues with some of the new Tulips, or filling it with fragrance from incredible Wallflowers.In this episode, discover:The huge array of standout Tulips, from productive perennial varieties to colourful collections perfect for potted plantingStaggering wallflowers with luscious fragrance, and how to make them last as a cut flowerWhich winter salads and edibles are hardy enough to give you so much through the cold months to comeA selection of delightful homeware, from the beautiful Ornate Candelabra, to the Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder to keep the garden buzzing with wildlifeOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Low maintenance, cheap and easy potted plants are a wonderful entry point for even the most inexperienced gardeners, and there are plenty of options for a rapid burst of colour.Whether it’s the Hollyhocks that thrive in the meanest ground, or Californian Poppies which are among the quickest to grow into their extravagant form, you’re bound to find a new favourite potted flower in this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’.In this episode, discover:The easiest seeds and seedlings to plant for filling a pot with vibrance and fragranceWhich of the Poppies and Linarias excel for quickly going from seed to flowerHow Hollyhocks thrive in meaner soil, while Foxgloves & Honesty adore being scatteredOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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 is an understated power in herbs to elevate a plain seafood dish into a truly extraordinary experience, and using as many herbs in his dishes for exactly this reason is the renowned restaurateur and writer, Mitch Tonks.Between Fish Works and Rockfish he’s demonstrated his expertise in the finest seafood, and shares an abundance of recipes for you to try with your home grown herbs. We also dive into some top tips for growing your own herbs, and tricks to excel in cooking your fish dishes.In this episode, discover:Mitch’s rich history with fishing, superlative seafood and herbsTips on avoiding common cooking pitfalls, like fish being overcooked or sticking to a panWhy harder herbs like Savoury or Thyme are perfectly suited for grilled fish, while softer herbs best complement a delicious dressingA plethora of Mitch’s extraordinary recipes, from hugely flavoursome Sea Bass with Salsa Primavera, to simpler recipes that anyone can cook in a bagAdvice for growing Basil and sowing Flat Leaf Parsley, for which the current season is still perfectly suitedFollow Mitchhttps://twitter.com/mitchtonkshttps://www.instagram.com/mitchseafood/Order Mitch’s Bookshttps://www.mitchtonks.co.uk/books-2/Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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 season for entertaining with dinner parties and garden gatherings, and there are so many ways that flowers can punctuate your occasion with immeasurable glamour.Whether you’re creating decorations for the centrepiece of a table, or using petals as a wonderful, frugal alternative to confetti, Sarah & Arthur have some essential tips for impressing your guests this summer, plus a delicious salad recipe.In this episode, discover:The grid system of branches that can replace oasis or floral foam in your table arrangementsWhich roses are ideal for providing long-lasting petals to use as an exciting alternative to confettiEye-catching lights to bring a delicate evening glow to your gardenVarieties of flowers perfect for cut flower arrangements or living pots as a table’s centrepieceSarah’s truly delicious recipe for a warm salad rich in flavour, a perfect companion for the summer evenings aheadOrder Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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

Growing your own veg brings a refreshing seasonality to dishes that forms part of Amelia Freer’s passionate dedication to making better nutrition easier for everyone.A brilliant Nutritionist, Author and even formerly a PA to Prince Charles, Amelia brings her uplifting, empathetic approach around changing our food habits to this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’.In this episode, discover:A new, empathetic system for adapting food habits, and how you can tailor it for yourselfThe difference between head hunger, mouth hunger & stomach hungerSome of Amelia’s favourite tray bakes and one pot dishesEmbracing the approach of cooking ahead of time, a fantastic opportunity for people short on free timeThe delightful element of seasonality in your food that comes from growing your own ediblesFollow Amelia:https://ameliafreer.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaFreerhttps://www.instagram.com/ameliafreer/Order Amelia’s books:https://ameliafreer.com/books/Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHGet 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