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

4d ago

Whether you're nurturing a bustling city plot or a country border, there’s a spot in everyone’s gardens, pots and borders for beautiful, productive perennials throughout the year. Following on from last week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Arthur is with us again to focus this time on perennials that are light-touch and bountiful for those of us putting together a low-maintenance garden. In this episode, discover: Perennials, shrubs, and self-seeding annuals that provide long-lasting beauty with minimal care Personal stories, hands-on tips, and garden-tested wisdom to help you with your plant selection and garden upkeep New and improved varieties bred for reduced invasiveness, greater disease resistance, and extended flowering seasons Plants that attract bees and other wildlife, showcasing how low-fuss gardens can support biodiversity too Products mentioned: Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aster-x-frikartii-monch Salvia x jamensis 'Nachtvlinder' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-x-jamensis-nachtvlinder Phlox paniculata 'David' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-david Geranium 'Rozanne' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanne Geranium wallichianum 'Bloom Me Away' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-wallichianum-bloom-me-away Pennisetum macrourum https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pennisetum-macrourum Chasmanthium latifolium https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifolium Stipa gigantea https://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-gigantea Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Dec 11

The ideal garden for our busy daily lives has a border bursting with colour, without the need for hours spent toiling to achieve it. This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is the perfect antidote to fussy flowers - Arthur Parkinson returns to laud the best self-seeding perennials for a low-maintenance garden brimming with lasting impact and scent. You’ll hear inspiring ornamentals and edibles to sow, how best to maintain their beauty with minimal effort, and which varieties are most tolerant of tricky soil. In this episode, discover: The beauty and resilience of self-seeding, low-maintenance perennials in creating effortless gardens How personal stories and childhood memories shape our gardening choices and appreciation for certain plants Practical tips for encouraging thriving gardens with minimal intervention, including soil, watering, and deadheading advice Enhancing gardens for wildlife by choosing plants that support pollinators through every stage of their life cycle Order Arthur’s new book - Hen Party: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/459749/hen-party-by-parkinson-arthur/9780241674703 Products mentioned: Alcea rosea 'Giant Single Mixed' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hollyhock-giant-single-mixed Euphorbia oblongata https://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-oblongata Helleborus argutifolius https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-argutifolius Papaver rupifragum 'Orange Feathers' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-rupifragum-orange-feathers Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/centranthus-ruber-coccinea Alchemilla mollis https://www.sarahraven.com/products/alchemilla-mollis Verbena bonariensis https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensis Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-officinalis-var-grandiflora-bampton Aubrieta deltoidea 'Cascade Mix' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubrieta-deltoidea-cascade-mix Lychnis coronaria (Rose campion) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lychnis-coronaria Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Dec 4

Following on from last week’s wintry themed episode on containers, this week we’re setting our sights on the summer ahead, on what’ll bring colour to your pots at the season’s peak. Josie’s absolute burning passion is containers, and this week she gives her plant picks for pots taking us through summer and autumn. Join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ as we delve into the ‘thriller, filler, pillar, spiller’ method for arranging containers, which combinations have stood out in their trials, and how to gently treat your flowers for maximum impact. In this episode, discover: The “thriller, filler, pillar, spiller” secret to building showstopping containers that brim with colour and texture right through summer to autumn Sarah and Josie’s favourite plants that promise to lift your pots from simple to spectacular How to keep blooms coming with gentle, tried-and-true maintenance tips, from deadheading tricks to overwintering Plant pairings and playful combinations, perfect for either grand displays or tiny terraces Products mentioned: Pelargonium 'Designer White' (Zonal) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-designer-white Abelia x grandiflora https://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandiflora Thunbergia alata 'African Sunset' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thunbergia-african-sunset Ipomoea lobata https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipomoea-lobata-mina-lobata Salvia 'Peach Melba' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-peach-melba Nemesia 'Lady Ruby' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nemesia-lady-ruby Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Nov 27

The garden’s magic needn’t be seasonal - containers can be the heroes of hue in even the coldest months. It’s time to assemble your winter containers ready to keep the scent and colour peaking, carrying us through till spring, with 12 inspiring varieties from Sarah and our Head Gardener, Josie Lewis. Join them on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a plethora of plants perfect for containers of any size, and how to keep them all looking their very best. In this episode, discover: Which container plants will keep your garden brimming with colour, texture, and even scent through the quiet months of winter and into spring How to outsmart common pests like vine weevil, and pick up clever, low-fuss tips for keeping containers healthy and happy Inspiration for staging and arranging winter pots, transforming even a small balcony or windowsill into a cheerful display Products mentioned: Helleborus x glandorfensis 'Ice N' Roses Red' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-glandorfensis Helleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Red' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-pretty-ellen-red Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-tiger-eye-red-f1 Pelargonium 'Designer White' (Zonal) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-designer-white Heuchera sanguinea 'Leuchtkafer' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-sanguinea-leuchtkafer Sarcococca hookeriana 'Winter Gem' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarcococca-hookeriana-winter-gem Narcissus 'Moonlight Sensation' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-moonlight-sensation Dutch Yard Narcissus Collection https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dutch-yard-narcissus-collection Wallflower 'Fire King' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-fire-king Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bay Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Nov 20

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 garden Practical tips for caring for favorites like hydrangea, abelia, acer, olive, and more, even in small spaces and pots Inspiring stories and ideas to turn plant selection and garden challenges into creative opportunities How to tackle common issues like box blight, and expert alternatives to keep your garden thriving and beautiful Products mentioned: Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-fresco Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGM https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelight Abelia x grandiflora https://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandiflora Cornus kousa 'Norman Hadden https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cornus-kousa-norman-hadden Fig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgy Fig 'Brown Turkey' (Ficus carica) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-brown-turkey Mahonia 'Volcano' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mahonia-volcano Pyracantha coccinea 'Red Star' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pyracantha-coccinea-red-star Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Nov 13

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 decorations Tried-and-tested techniques for drying and preserving everything from hydrangeas and dahlias to autumn leaves and poppy seed heads Expert tips for maintaining colour, texture, and longevity in your dried arrangements Inspiring ideas for DIY festive crafts that bring your garden’s magic indoors Products mentioned: Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Fresco' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-fresco Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' AGM https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelight Lunaria annua https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annua Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation Allium schubertii https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii Allium cristophii https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophii Climbing French Bean 'Monte Gusto' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/french-bean-monte-gusto Runner Bean 'Black Knight' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/runner-bean-black-knight Fig 'Little Miss Figgy' (Ficus carica) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fig-little-miss-figgy Chasmanthium latifolium https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chasmanthium-latifolium Papaver somniferum 'Black Beauty' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-somniferum-black-beauty Amaranthus hypochondriacus 'Pygmy Torch' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaranthus-hypochondriacus-pygmy-torch Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Nov 6

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 world Order Brenna’s book - ‘Pansies’: https://threebrothersblooms.com/pansies-book/ Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-tiger-eye-red-f1 Black Beauty Black Prince Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Oct 30

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 garden Which plants deer love to munch on, and the ones they tend to leave alone How drought, changing seasons, and garden design can influence deer behaviour Products mentioned: Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Creme Brulee' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-creme-brulee Chard 'Bright Lights' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-bright-lights Kale 'Redbor' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/kale-redbor-f1 Chicory 'Variegato di Castelfranco' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chicory-variegato-di-castelfranco Verbena bonariensis https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensis Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest