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

No late summer garden is complete until its colour palette is drizzled with delightful Dahlias, a flower that’s had its fair share of love on past podcast episodes - and quite rightly so! Their productive tubers and vibrant varieties make them a true must-have, and worthy of a full episode to themselves.Sarah Raven and Arthur Parkinson - perhaps the most enthusiastic Dahlia advocates - share their top picks from the rousing family of flowers, which ones are most alluring for birds and bees, tips on saving pot-grown Dahlias from frost, and how they make a delightful addition to a lovely salad.In this episode, discover:Over a dozen glamourous, decorative varieties of DahliaThe best single Dahlias to encourage a vivacious buzzing of bees and butterfliesOpportunities to companion plant Dahlias with the beautiful biennials of Rudbeckia HirtasNovel new Dahlia varieties to explore, like the vibrant, heather-like Dahlia ‘Mats’Sarah’s advice for caring for your Dahlias in the face of frostView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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

With the highly anticipated, and slightly belated, Chelsea Flower Show 2021 just a week away, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ offers us a perfect chance to talk with one of the show’s most prolific and accomplished garden designers - the wonderful Ann-Marie Powell.Missing just a single year of the show since 1997 (understandably for the birth of her now-12 year old), Ann-Marie shares the tales from her formative years and TV career that fuelled her unbridled botanical passion, her visionary approach to designing a captivating garden, and what we can expect from a Chelsea show which promises to bring some seasonal surprises.In this episode, discover:Ann-Marie’s inspiring experiences with gardening through her formative yearsThe authentic passion behind Ann-Marie’s exciting designs and delightful presence on social mediaWhich show stopping flowers will be stealing the spotlight at RHS Chelsea this yearHow Ann-Marie and the team are creating their gorgeous exhibition with such a tight turnaround timeView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HFollow Ann-Marie: https://bit.ly/3kdxwDl 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

We’re breaking convention on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week as Sarah steps aside from hosting duties - Arthur is joined by a fellow Perch Hill resident, Sarah’s other half, and thoroughly accomplished writer, Adam Nicolson. In a conversation ranging from profound environmental issues to more absurd incidents like the ‘big sheep crisis’, this episode is equal parts hilarious and inspiring to those of us looking to build a world of wondrous sea life. Adam describes life on Perch Hill, fascinating facts about the inhabitants of rock pools, and how we can help bring biodiversity back to our shores - all with the same passionate and eclectic vernacular that you’ll find in his latest book: ‘The Sea Is Not Made of Water: Life Between the Tides’.In this episode, discover:Fascinating stories from the early days of Perch HillMarvellous creatures that can be found in rock poolsHow we can help nurture sealife with your very own rock poolsThe peculiar story behind Sarah & Arthur’s ‘Big Sheep Crisis’View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Adam’s book - ‘The Sea Is Not Made of Water: Life Between the Tides’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/sea-not-made-water-Between/dp/000829478XOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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 are massive gains to be had if you’re willing to take a crack at autumn sowing, which presents a fantastic opportunity to grow some truly giant hardy annuals.Whether you’re looking to get ahead on ornamental additions to the garden or encourage stronger roots to protect your edible plants, Sarah & Arthur explain how autumn sowing now could be the start of an envious, vibrant ensemble in the next year’s spring and summer months.In this episode, discover:The best varieties of ornamental flowers and productive edible veg to sow earlyWhich hardy annuals to sow early for truly incredible growthHow to grow flowers with stronger roots and better disease resistanceThe hardy nature shared by many plants with ‘snow’, ‘frost’ or ‘ice’ in the nameSarah’s recipe for a pleasant, delicious chilli jamView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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

From selling her own beautiful produce at markets in London, to exciting collaborations with Skye Gyngell at Spring Restaurant and Jam Jar Flowers’ Melissa Richardson (a previous guest on the podcast!), Jane Scotter has had a wonderful journey to running her 16-acre, biodynamic farm - Fern Verrow.Joining Sarah & Arthur from her gorgeous spot at the foothills of the Black Mountains in Herefordshire, Jane discusses her delightful experiences growing for Skye, how biodynamics helps cultivate her truly seasonal produce, and the love and care she shows to those learning under her tutorship.In this episode, discover:The amazing success that Jane has seen with biodynamicsFern Verrow’s marvellous 16-acre farmJane’s favourite varieties of tomato, courgette & aubergine for delicious flavour & gorgeous appearanceTheir collaboration with Melissa from Jam Jar Flowers and Skye Gyngell at Spring RestaurantView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HFern Verrow: https://www.fernverrow.com/Cover Photo Credit: James McNaughtGet 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 regular listeners or those familiar with Arthur’s fabulous family of feathered friends, you’ll know that hens are his area of expertise. From those ideal for egg laying to the breeds that make pleasant poultry pets, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is all about how to choose and care for hens of your own.Sarah & Arthur divulge their experiences with picking a suitable chicken coop, keeping them safe from foxes and other foes, and given that you’ll have an abundance of eggs we hear Arthur’s take on a classic cake recipe - a gorgeous Victoria Sponge.In this episode, discover:Protecting your hens from foxes and other predatorsThe best breeds to keep as layers, or as magnificent petsWhat & how often to feed, and keeping feeders out of reach of rodentsHow to put your hens’ eggs to delicious use in a classic Victoria SpongeView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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

Organic lifestyles may have become particularly popular in the last few years, but the shrewd gardeners at Yeo Valley Organic Garden have been at it for over 25 years in the depths of Somerset. What’s even more exciting is their debut appearance at this year’s belated Chelsea Flower Show - a ‘dream come true’ for Sarah Mead.From dealing with pesky pests to picking out vibrant native flowers for their Chelsea display, Sarah has a host of fantastic tips for those of us wanting to use fewer chemicals in our gardens in this episode of “grow, cook, eat, arrange”.In this episode, discover:How Yeo Valley Organic Garden is enticing, but not forcing, people to live more organicallyVarious ways to entice wildlife into your organic garden to help keep slugs and snails at bayA selection of Sarah Mead’s favourite ornamental & native organic flowersYeo Valley Organic’s exciting maiden outing at Chelsea Flower Show this yearSarah’s keen interest in a revolution for organic food View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HYeo Valley Website: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/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

With the care and attention that we put into our gardens and green spaces, what use would it all be without a comfortable corner in which to sit back and enjoy it? We turn our focus this week to the captivating decorations and colour combinations to perfectly complement your floral handiwork.In episode 27, of “grow, cook, eat, arrange” Sarah & Arthur talk all things garden props - the most inviting lighting for a relaxing evening, where to source lovely and high quality vintage furniture, and an aesthetically pleasing way to keep wind away from your newly sown plants and hedges. In this episode, discover:How to match the perfect shade of gravel with your garden, and choosing a pet-friendly stone sizeA cheap alternative to hessian fabric/burlap, to help your new plants thriveIdeal decorations to radiate natural light on peaceful eveningsSarah & Arthur’s favourite places to find comfortable, welcoming furnitureView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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

This week’s podcast is a special-one with a focus purely on delicious food! Sarah is joined by a guest who combines her passion for the planet mixed with her love of plant-based delicious dishes that you can make at home; author of “One Pot, Pan, Planet”, Anna Jones. This best-selling author and environmentally conscious cook, discusses her brand new book, some of the best kept secret vegan substitute ingredients, and how to take your cooking standards from humble home chef to being worthy of a restaurant!A few small changes we can make to help our planetThe secret substitute ingredients behind some of Anna’s most delightful dishesHow toppings and texture help take your home cooking to Michelin star restaurant qualityAnna’s cooking course, and her belief that cooking skills are truly for anyoneView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiHAnna Jones: http://annajones.co.uk/One: Pot, Pan, Planet: https://amzn.to/3Bjj96WOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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

When taking care of the beautiful congregations of colour at Perch Hill, it must be said that a wonderful team of keen, green-fingered folk are a helpful luxury that most at home won’t have when taking care of potted arrangements, so creating a maintenance schedule of sorts can be quite an art.In this practical instalment of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah & Arthur have a whole host of products, processes and priceless advice to perfect your preening, dead heading, watering and feeding. We also look at the best times to use a saucer under a pot (or when to avoid it), and Arthur’s affinity towards larger pots. In this episode, discover:The combined strengths of SB Invigorator as a feed and also combating mildew and aphidsHow to best treat your soil for feeding thriving plantsWhy Arthur is a champion of big pots over smaller ones, and his tips for carefully watering themTips on using nematodes to keep vine weevils at bayIdeal times of year to use or avoid using saucers under plant potsA selection of scented varieties of PelargoniumsView all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3zKskeTOrder Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJczOrder Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7HGet 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