• Inspiring biodiversity on a grand scale with Dominic Rose - Episode 200
    Nov 28 2024

    Dominic Rose holds multiple roles; Chair of Sarah Raven, self-appointed ‘amateur gardener’, and leading advocate in bringing biodiversity to the residential gardens and back yards of Britain.

    In our 200th episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Dominic unpacks his ambitions for ‘Britain’s Biggest Living Garden’ – a community action project in North London’s Hampstead Garden Suburb – and explains how it might inspire others to support biodiversity in their own gardens at home, including the next generation of aspiring gardeners who’ll tend our green spaces in the future.

    In this episode, discover:

    • The catalyst for creating Britain’s Biggest Living Garden, and the ecologists, authors and volunteers who have guided its mission
    • How the benefits to biodiversity are already being measured
    • Dominic’s ambitions to inspire the next generation of gardeners, with biodiversity at the forefront

    Britain’s Biggest Living Garden: https://www.britainsbiggestlivinggarden.org/
    Wildlife Gardening Forum: https://www.wlgf.org/

    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

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    27 mins
  • 10 indispensable tools to make gardening a joy with Josie Lewis - Episode 199
    Nov 21 2024

    Gardening is a diverse pursuit, and there’s no shortage of tools and kit that can help transform horticultural chores into an easier, more pleasurable experience.

    In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Perch Hill’s Josie Lewis joins Sarah to look back over the gardening year and nominate the top 10 desert island tools that no gardener should live without.

    In this episode, discover:

    • Tools and containers perfect for making light work of planting and sowing
    • Sarah and Josie’s favourites vases to make floral arrangements easier to put together and more visually appealing
    • Sarah’s all-time favourite pots and trugs, with designs that have inspired products in our range

    Products mentioned:
    Zinc Harvesting Trug
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/zinc-harvesting-trug

    Niwaki Hori Hori Knife
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/niwaki-hori-hori-knife

    Niwaki s-type Hori Hori Knife and Sheath
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/niwaki-stype-hori-hori-knife-and-sheath

    Tub Planter
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tub-planter

    Hortiwool Hanging Basket Liner Set
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hortiwool-hanging-basket-liner-set

    Hortiwool Garden Pad
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hortiwool-garden-pad-pouch

    Sarah Raven Pruning Snips
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-raven-pruning-snips

    Sarah Raven Poachers Spade
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/poachers-spade

    Nero Vase
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nero-vase

    Bumper Bulb Planter
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/bulb-planter

    Striped Ceramic Vases
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/striped-ceramic-vases

    Terracotta Pots
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/terracotta-pots

    Terracotta Scalloped Pots
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/terracotta-scalloped-pots

    Rustic Terracotta Pot
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rustic-terracotta-pot

    Aged Terracotta Pots
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aged-terracotta-pots

    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

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    26 mins
  • Perfect flowers for a biodiverse buzz in your garden with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 198
    Nov 14 2024

    Butterflies and bees can only thrive in a garden with a ‘living buffet’ to which they can flock, which is why biodiversity is the hot topic for Sarah and Arthur in this latest episode of grow, cook, eat, arrange.

    Reflecting on a year in which pollinators have struggled and needed particular support, they share the best plant varieties for bringing a much-needed buzz into your gardens, and discuss why nighttime pollinators ought not be forgotten.

    In this episode, discover:

    • Sarah & Arthur’s absolute favourite flowers for creating a biodiverse haven
    • The importance of late-flowering plants, providing pollen at crucial times when late-emerging pollinators may need it most
    • The often-overlooked night time wildlife that also benefits from biodiverse gardens
    • Arthur’s newfound tip for keeping slugs away from your greenhouse

    Products mentioned:
    Dahlia variabilis 'Bishop's Children': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-bishops-children
    Geum 'Totally Tangerine': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geum-totally-tangerine
    Dahlia ‘Sarah Raven’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-sarah-raven
    Dahlia ‘Lou Farman’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farman Buddleia alternifolia: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/buddleia-alternifolia
    Dahlia ‘Blue Bayou’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-blue-bayou
    Verbena bonariensis: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-bonariensis
    Verbena officinalis var. grandiflora 'Bampton': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-officinalis-var-grandiflora-bampton
    Verbena rigida: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-rigida
    Panicum miliaceum 'Violaceum': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-violaceum
    Nemaslug - Biological Slug Control: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nemaslug-biological-slug-control

    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

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    22 mins
  • Q&A: Are we too late to plant forced bulbs for Christmas? How can I start bare root planting this Winter? What can I still sow in November?
    Nov 12 2024

    Welcome to the November Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie answer questions sent in by our lovely listeners each month.

    In this episode, Sarah answers timely questions on forced bulbs and whether it’s too late to plant them now for Christmas, as well as the things you can still sow at this time of year. Meanwhile, Josie gives us a crash course on bare root plants, and what’s currently being planted at Perch Hill, which might inspire your own planting this November.

    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

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    13 mins
  • Bringing seasonal delights from farm to plate with Julius Roberts - Episode 197
    Nov 7 2024

    Please be aware: This episode contains sensitive discussion about animal death and stillbirth, which some may find upsetting.

    Seasonality is a powerful quality in any recipe, to which the abundance of delicious culinary ideas in Julius Roberts’ new book ‘The Farm Table’ is perfect testament.

    We explore Julius’ journey as a chef, farmer, grower and author on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week, in an episode bound to inspire you with a renewed outlook on cooking, and a fresh appreciation for the work that brings a successful plate together.

    In this episode, discover:

    The most invaluable lessons that Julius learned from his training at the renowned London restaurant, Noble Rot The greatest joys and most challenging emotional struggles of ‘nature first’ farming

    • How cooking makes us human, and why seasonality should be a central pillar to the food we grow and cook
    • The very best recipes from ‘The Farm Table’, such as Julius’ fan-favourite Tarragon Roast Chicken and a lamb dish that champions the joy of humble Swiss Chard

    Products mentioned:
    Swiss Chard 'Lucullus': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-lucullus

    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

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    46 mins
  • This month in your garden: November
    Nov 1 2024

    November signals a real turn in the weather, and this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat arrange’ is a perfect collation of all the jobs you should consider to prepare your garden for the impending season.

    Sarah gives a rundown of the tasks at the top of her mind, from sowing pea tips and lovely scented sweet peas, to preparing paperwhite narcissus for planters.

    Elsewhere in the garden, Josie nudges us to prepare your soil for winter, and to prune your roses to protect them from the elements in the months to come.

    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

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    11 mins
  • Bring small spaces alive with pots and bulb lasagnes with Jemima Bowker - Episode 196
    Oct 31 2024

    Even in smaller, urban gardens and balcony spaces, you can breathe life into them with charming pots and bulb lasagnes

    Curating her own balcony garden with that vision of city-bound colour in mind, Jemima Bowker returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share with Sarah how she’s taking on the challenge of small space gardening for the autumn months, with fantastic tips aplenty for those of you doing the same.

    In this episode, discover:

    • The small space gardening solutions that Jemima and Sarah suggest to maximise your limited spaces, like hanging window boxes and plant theatres
    • Tasks that you’ll want to do as we transition into autumn, and when to start planning your bulb displays
    • Sarah guides Jemima through the art of creating stunning bulb lasagnas, with tips on selecting complementary varieties and planting in layers

    Products mentioned:

    Thyme & Rosemary in Terracotta Pots
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/thyme-and-rosemary-in-terracotta-pots

    Tulip 'Orange Marmalade'
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-orange-marmalade

    Iris 'Purple Hill' (Reticulata)
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/iris-reticulata-purple-hill

    Tulip hageri 'Little Beauty'
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulipa-hageri-little-beauty

    Fritillaria meleagris
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-meleagris

    Plum and Apricot Tulip Mix
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/plum-and-apricot-tulip-collection

    Sarah Raven Tulip Collection
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/sarah-raven-tulip-collection

    Tulip 'Slawa'
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-slawa

    Cosmos atrosanguineus 'Chocolate'
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-atrosanguineus-chocolate

    Pelargonium sidoides (Species)
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pelargonium-sidoides

    Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay'
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bay

    Viola cornuta 'Tiger Eye Red' F1
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-cornuta-tiger-eye-red-f1

    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

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    34 mins
  • The hedges perfect for creating a biodiversity haven with Adam Nicolson - Episode 195
    Oct 24 2024

    Biodiversity thrives on the presence of hedges, and autumn presents a wonderful time to get them planted, bringing a beautiful birdsong into your garden.

    Adam Nicolson joins Sarah for this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, sharing his ever-bountiful knowledge on all things biodiversity, and which hedges are perfect protection for an enchanting ensemble of birds and butterflies.

    In this episode, discover:

    • How maintaining hedges at a warbler-y phase helps songbirds in particular
    • Leafy, thorny and nectar rich hedges to grow, like yew, hornbeam and privet
    • How to put hedges into the garden, and at what time in the season is ideal

    Products mentioned:

    English Yew (Taxus baccata)
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/english-yew

    Hornbeam Hedging
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hornbeam-hedging

    Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-privet

    Clematis viticella 'Etoile Violette'
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/clematis-viticella-etoile-violette

    Lonicera periclymenum 'Rhubarb and Custard'®
    https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-rhubarb-and-custard

    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

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    18 mins