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

September is a turning point in the gardening calendar, a month in which we’re preparing our plants - as we are ourselves - for the colder months. Sarah and Josie join forces this week to share the key jobs you should prioritise at this point in the year - from focusing on your edibles to deadheading your dahlias. September is also the time to plant out your biennials before the cold sets in, start forcing bulbs, and take cuttings of your tender perennials. Products mentioned: Mustards (Hardy Mustard Mix): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hardy-mustard-mix Salad Rocket (‘Serrata’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata Mizuna: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna Winter Purslane: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/winter-purslane Coriander (‘Leisure’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/coriander-leaf-form-leisure Flat-leaf Parsley ‘Giant of Napoli’ (Listed as ‘Gigante di Napoli’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoli Chard (‘Bright Lights’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-bright-lights Spinach (‘Giant Winter’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spinach-giant-winter Ammi majus: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Ammi visnaga: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga Salvia viridis ‘Blue’ (‘Blue Monday’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-viridis-blue Black Scabious – Scabiosa atropurpurea (‘Black Cat’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-cat Honesty (Lunaria annua ‘Chedglow’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annua-chedglow Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hesperis-matronalis-white See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

From the first November blooms to the last flowers in May, narcissus can quietly carry your garden through the whole of spring. In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Tom Stimpson joins Sarah as they unpack what they found on a whirlwind narcissus trip to the Netherlands – from finely bred, climate‑resilient varieties to pots that brim with scent on the coldest days. They share their favourite tried‑and‑tested daffodils for pots, borders and cutting, and the key characteristics they now look for. In this episode, discover: How to plan a simple narcissus succession so you have daffodils in flower from November through to May The named varieties Sarah and Tom rate for pots, borders and cutting, such as ‘Avalanche’, ‘February Gold’ and ‘Starlight Sensation’ Practical ideas for making your space work harder, including interplanting narcissus with dahlias for almost seamless colour Products mentioned: Narcissus ‘Actaea’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaea Narcissus ‘Avalanche’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-avalanche Narcissus ‘February Gold’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-february-gold Narcissus ‘Tête‑à‑tête’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-tete-a-tete Narcissus ‘Rip Van Winkle’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-rip-van-winkle Narcissus ‘Silver Chimes’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-silver-chimes Narcissus ‘Starlight Sensation’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-starlight-sensation Narcissus ‘Pheasant’s Eye’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-pheasants-eye Narcissus ‘Snipe’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-snipe Narcissus ‘Sailboat’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-sailboat Narcissus ‘Polar Hunter’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-polar-hunter Fritillaria meleagris (Snakeshead Fritillary): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-meleagris-plum-white-mixed See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

If grey squirrels have ever stripped your pots overnight or raided a carefully planted bulb lasagne, there are ways to protect your perfectly composed pots. Sarah is joined by Josie Lewis this week to share what’s actually worked at Perch Hill after years of trials – from cleverly laid thorny rose prunings to beautiful pot toppers that protect bulbs and earn their keep. In this episode, discover: How Sarah and Josie protect freshly planted bulbs from grey squirrels and other pests without relying on ugly or ineffective solutions Exactly how to use thorny stems as a simple, physical barrier over pots through autumn and winter Which ornamental plants make the best pot toppers over bulbs, and where each works best How to use edible pot toppers such as hardy lettuces and salad leaves to both shield bulbs and provide generous harvests before tulips emerge Products mentioned: Ammi visnaga: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga Ammi majus: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffeta Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/erysimum-bowless-mauve Wallflower ‘Sugar Rush Purple’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wallflower-sugar-rush-purple-bicolour-f1 Cerinthe (Honeywort): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascens Cerinthe 'Kiwi Blue': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blue Mizuna ‘Red Knight’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mizuna-red-knight-f1 Salad Rocket: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salad-rocket-serrata ‘Red Frills’ Mustard: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills Sea Holly (Eryngium): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-x-zabelii-big-blue See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

We’re stepping once more into Tom Stimpson’s tiny town garden to see how he coaxes months of colour from the smallest of spaces. In this episode, Tom shares the mini bulbs that have truly earned their keep in pots and window boxes – from long-flowering iris and species tulips to cheerful muscari and dwarf narcissus. Together we explore simple planting “recipes”, clever table‑top displays, and a low‑maintenance watering approach that lets the weather do most of the work. In this episode, discover: How Tom turns a tiny town garden into months of spring colour using mini bulbs in pots, tabletops and window boxes Which small bulbs really earn their keep in containers – from Ipheion ‘Alberto Castillo’ and ‘Wisley Blue’ to favourite species tulips and dwarf narcissus Simple ways to plan a small-space bulb display, including easy paper layouts and colour planning A low-maintenance watering approach for bulbs in pots that relies on deep, occasional soaking rather than constant fussing Practical tricks for protecting bulbs from squirrels and how to give narcissi, muscari and Iris reticulata a second life in borders. Products mentioned: Ipheion ‘Alberto Castillo’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ipheion-alberto-castillo Tulipa sylvestris: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulipa-sylvestris Anemone blanda ‘Blue Shades’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anemone-blanda-blue-shades Muscari ‘Blue Magic’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-blue-magic Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-armeniacum-valerie-finnis Narcissus ‘Minnow’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-minnow Narcissus ‘Sailboat’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-sailboat Scilla / Squills (Siberian Squill): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scilla-siberica See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

If you love the idea of beautiful pots that don’t need replanting every five minutes, perennials in a container can be the perfect solution, and just as stunning as a bed or a border. Tom Stimpson returns to discuss trusted “banker” perennials for containers – from long-flowering hellebores and acers underplanted with geraniums, to hydrangeas, heucheras and beloved agapanthus. You’ll hear exactly which combinations have stood the test of time in Tom’s garden as well as at Perch Hill, and how to get colour from winter through to late autumn. In this episode, discover: How to design perennial pots that give you colour and structure from winter through to late autumn, without constant replanting Which plants Sarah and Tom rely on most strongly for containers Practical planting combinations for small gardens, such as Pittosporum with hellebores and scabious, or an acer underplanted with Geranium ‘Rozanne’ A realistic regime for watering, feeding and deadheading perennial pots so they stay sturdy rather than sappy Products mentioned: Helleborus niger: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-niger Helleborus orientalis: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-orientalis-pretty-ellen-spotted Helleborus ‘Ice n’ Roses Red’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-glandorfensis-ice-n-roses-red Pittosporum ‘Bannow Bay’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pittosporum-tenuifolium-bannow-bay Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Cat’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-atropurpurea-black-cat Scabiosa ‘Kudo Pink’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/scabiosa-incisa-kudo-pink Geranium ‘Rozanne’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-rozanne Geranium ‘Dreamland’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/geranium-dreamland Hydrangea ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-macrophylla-madame-emile-mouillere Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-lime Hydrangea ‘Limelight’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-limelight Hydrangea ‘Little Fresco’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hydrangea-paniculata-little-fresco Heuchera ‘Black Taffeta’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/heuchera-black-taffeta Gaura ‘The Bride’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gaura-lindheimeri-the-bride Gaura ‘Flamingo’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/gaura-collection-for-pots Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-nemorosa-caradonna Salvia ‘Peach Melba’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-peach-melba Verbena rigida: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/verbena-rigida Linaria ‘Peachy’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/linaria-x-purpurea-peachy Agapanthus ‘Midnight Blue’ / ‘Navy Blue’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/agapanthus-navy-blue See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

We’re approaching the perfect moment for bulb planting, and if you’re looking to force bulbs for a lovely indoor winter, then look no further than the sage advice of Tom Stimpson. In this episode, Sarah and Tom - our Head of Horticulture - share their favourite bulbs to force indoors, and how to pot and water them, plus a few simple tricks to keep them flowering for weeks on end. In this episode, discover: The best bulbs to force indoors, from dramatic amaryllis and classic paperwhites to scented narcissus, hyacinths and tiny muscari Simple methods for planting, positioning and watering indoor bulbs so they flower reliably The importance of “mean” watering to avoid rot and keep flowers lasting longer Easy ways to move forced bulbs from house to garden so they go on to provide colour and cut stems for seasons to come Products mentioned: Amaryllis ‘Papillio’ (Papilio): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-papillio Amaryllis ‘Green Magic’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-green-magic Amaryllis ‘Nymph’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/amaryllis-nymph Paperwhite Narcissus ‘Ziva’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-papyraceus-ziva-for-forcing Narcissus ‘Polar Hunter’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-polar-hunter Hyacinth ‘China Pink’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinth-china-pink Hyacinth ‘Delft Blue’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthus-orientalis-delft-blue-forcing Muscari ‘Blue Magic’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/muscari-blue-magic See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

When cancer enters a life, it carries a profound impact on the places in which you seek comfort, which is why the human-centred gardens at Maggie’s centres are so unbelievably important. In this powerful episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah talks to Dame Laura Lee from Maggie’s, about how beautifully designed, garden-centred spaces are changing the experience of cancer care for patients and their families. In this episode, discover: How one simple question sparked the creation of Maggie’s Centres and a new idea of cancer support Why the design of a space can change how it feels to live with cancer What actually happens when someone walks from the hospital into a Maggie’s Centre How Maggie’s supports not only patients but their families and friends through the process The role of gardens and seasons as a gentle way to talk about hope, uncertainty, treatment, and even end of life See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

If you’ve ever let your vegetable garden wind down after summer, there’s a whole season you’re missing out on. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah breaks the year into two simple seasons and shows you exactly what to sow now so you can keep picking right through the grey months. From hardy salads and herbs to kales and chards, she shares 12 tried-and-tested crops that genuinely thrive in a UK winter. In this episode, discover: How to divide the gardening year into two simple seasons so you can plan for year-round harvests Which 12 tried-and-tested crops Sarah relies on for winter and early spring eating The exact sowing window for late-summer and early-autumn sowings, and why timing is crucial if you want strong plants going into winter Practical ways to cook and enjoy your winter veg, including Sarah’s wilted kale salad, and how to use herbs to brighten cold-season salads Products mentioned: Lettuce ‘Merveille de Quatre Saisons’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lettuce-merveille-de-quatre-saisons Mustard ‘Red Frills’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/mustard-red-frills Flat-leaf Parsley ‘Giant of Napoli’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/parsley-gigante-di-napoli Spinach ‘Medania’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spinach-medania Chard: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/chard-lucullus Florence Fennel / Bulb Fennel (‘Romanesco’): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/florence-fennel-romanesco See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Stepping out into the garden with a sketchbook in hand is a novel, powerful practice which, given time, can transform the way we look at plants we think that we know like the back of our hand. In this week’s podcast episode, Sarah is joined by artist and gardener Matthew Rice to explore how drawing becomes a kind of “recorded looking” that deepens our relationship with flowers and gardens - from choosing the right subjects and materials to capturing the feeling of a border in full swing. In this episode, discover: How drawing functions as “recorded looking”, helping deepen your relationship with your garden Which flowers and garden plants are most forgiving to draw as a beginner, and practical ways to get started with garden drawing Where Matthew Rice finds inspiration, from historic watercolourists to everyday details in his own greenhouse and garden Products mentioned: Snakeshead Fritillaries: sarahraven.com/products/fritillaria-meleagris Iris reticulata: sarahraven.com/products/iris-reticulata-blue-note Courgettes: sarahraven.com/products/courgette-soleil-f1 Mint: sarahraven.com/products/mint-moroccan Matthew Rice: https://www.instagram.com/matthewricewatercolours/ See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

The National Garden Scheme is a national treasure, raising millions for charities and giving access to gorgeous gardens for those who need them most. It’s a joy this week to be joined by former GP and National Garden Scheme CEO Dr Richard Claxton to explore how 3,200 gardens – from stately homes to hospital rooftops and new-build backyards – are transforming health and access to green space across the UK. In this episode, discover: How the National Garden Scheme quietly turns open gardens, tea and cake into £3.9 million a year for nursing and healthcare charities Why Richard Claxton believes gardening is one of the most powerful tools we have for long-term wellbeing How the NGS has evolved from stately homes and rectories to include community gardens, and small, relatable plot The story behind transformative projects like the intensive care roof garden at King’s College Hospital How balconies, new-build gardens and shared plots can play a vital role in our health and connection to nature Richard Claxton: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardclaxtongardens/ The National Garden Scheme: https://www.instagram.com/nationalgardenscheme/ See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

We’ve learned from years of unpredictable weather patterns that the climate is demanding more of our plants than ever before, and while some struggle, others quietly thrive throughout it all. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Josie Lewis to explore which plants are quietly thriving through late frosts, heatwaves and torrential rain with a practical, down-to-earth shortlist of resilient perennials, shrubs, grasses and ground covers to help your garden cope with an increasingly unpredictable climate. In this episode, discover: How long-observed changes in weather are reshaping which plants can thrive in the garden Which resilient perennials, shrubs and grasses are coping best with “swivelly” weather, and why traits like tap roots and silver, hairy foliage matter Which much-loved plants are starting to struggle with mildew, black spot and stress Practical, down-to-earth techniques for helping your garden weather extremes conditions Products mentioned: Bluebells (Native British): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebells Eryngiums (Sea Hollies): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-alpinum?srsltid=AfmBOopO4Ifg4rzCW2YkMWRcqgDXIRlXUqsM8bCbvKl2l68rTKaBJU4l Lavender: sarahraven.com/products/lavender-munstead Rosemary ‘Tuscan Blue’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/rosemary-tuscan-blue?srsltid=AfmBOoqw1cACNvCEpOmZsANIbxqDCLnJbnUK2yiqwuVl2Cvfo8ZtYvMy Origanum vulgare (Oregano): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/wild-marjoram?srsltid=AfmBOopv0ainVpy6LtMUQZNXz7j2uk0S8_o0MhkfGzThC64AF9eaF1l- Lychnis coronaria (Magenta): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lychnis-coronaria Stipa gigantea: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/stipa-gigantea Quaking Grasses (Briza species): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-grass?srsltid=AfmBOorNYwPg5Ia0BbbQNr1nHeMdY4zpd_RelqlM_oWx8Ukfkg6qb-Yp Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare): https://www.sarahraven.com/products/leucanthemum-vulgaris?srsltid=AfmBOoqICKKwsHKsI_Az1IDEef6FTGyX2985v8xOzJWJz6vK2m39rH80 Salvia ‘Cerro Potosi’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-microphylla-cerro-potosi Salvia ‘Jezebel’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-jezebel?srsltid=AfmBOoo9zChqz4ORp4p1PjjxPn-FE0S9HtVs0nqaEzWg3SHc0sPNNdRE Salvia ‘Royal Bumble’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-x-jamensis-royal-bumble?srsltid=AfmBOorDeIIZi7sAEHWbPIlPsgg6Nvy-c1HUTkEyZNvgfHTKvBI0VLH5 Phlox ‘David’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-david Phlox ‘Blue Paradise’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-blue-paradise See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

What Pam Corbin doesn’t know about preserves, isn’t worth knowing. She’s an oracle on all things jam - hence her apt nickname, ‘Pam the Jam’. For the home cook, and for those with a kitchen garden worthy of capturing its fruity goodness, this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ with Pam is a perfect entry point to creating your own jams. She and Sarah share the secrets behind turning seasonal fruit and veg into beautiful jars of low‑sugar jams, compotes and chutneys that actually taste of the fruit, not just the sugar! In this episode, discover: How Pam moved from a tiny jam business in a converted pig unit to writing modern classics on preserves Why traditional jam recipes were so heavy on sugar, and how to safely make lower‑sugar, soft‑set jams today Practical, step‑by‑step tips for tricky fruits like strawberries and raspberries – including staging your jam, managing foam, and avoiding overcooked, rock‑hard results Simple ways to make more than just jam from your harvest, from apricot compotes and bottled cherries to clever uses for rhubarb, courgettes and runner beans How to choose and use basic preserving kit so you can confidently turn garden gluts into jars on your shelf Order ‘Pam the Jam: The Book of Preserves’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pam-Jam-Book-Preserves-Corbin/dp/1408884496 See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

There are few flowers more quintessential than the rose, and it’s safe to say that there’s a perfect rose for everyone’s tastes. This week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ delves into the world of roses, with someone whose love for a great rose knows no bounds: Josie Lewis. Whether you’re looking for a rose with a particular colour to combine with the beauty of your existing garden, or you’re more pressed by scent and structure, we hear which are the absolute best roses to grow, and how best to tend to them for healthy, reliable growth. In this episode, discover: Which varieties of Roses are the standout performers for each colour group The best ramblers, bloomers and climbers, from the huge, creamy white Wedding Day to the beautiful copper-brown Hot Chocolate How to make your roses last in water for maximum vase life See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

This Christmas might feel a while away, but if there’s one way to prepare right now for a more stunning and sustainable tree, it’s with alliums. Sarah’s love of alliums is well-documented on the podcast, but this week she’s recalling some of the most show-stopping varieties with which to decorate this Christmas, and the joys that they’ll bring as ‘colour baton-carriers’ in spring. In this episode, discover: Which alliums are perfect for bridging the gap between tulips going over and sweet peas emerging Some extravagant, statement-making varieties like the remarkably tall ‘Summer Drummer’ or sculptural shapes of ‘Magic’ Tips for preparing your alliums to sustainably decorate your tree this Christmas Products mentioned: Allium hollandicum 'Purple Sensation' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-hollandicum-purple-sensation Allium cristophii https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-cristophii Allium nigrum https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-nigrum Allium stipitatum 'Summer Drummer' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-stipitatum-summer-drummer Allium schubertii 'Magic' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-schubertii-magic Allium jesdianum 'Purple Rain' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/allium-purple-rain See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Biennials – plants which flower in their second year – may often be overlooked by us gardeners, but between their value for money, wonderful scent, and versatility they’re among the best plants to sow and grow in any garden. Sarah makes the case for brilliant biennials in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, exploring how she came to appreciate their beauty, and which varieties are best for all aspects of your space. In this episode, discover: How the right mix of biennials can fill the awkward May gap with prolific blooms, all for the price of a seed packet The best early-flowering biennials, from fragrant wallflowers to the scented sweet rocket, Hesperis matronalis Moth-pollinated varieties with rich fragrance and velvety textures to create a pollinator paradise Products mentioned: Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-suttons-apricot Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-alba Malope trifida 'Vulcan' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/malope-trifida-vulcan Lunaria annua https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lunaria-annua Iceland poppy (Papaver nudicaule) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/papaver-nudicaule-champagne-bubbles-mix-f1 See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Every garden space deserves a chance to be transformed into a beautiful space which breathes, rather than constricts, and Pollyanna Wilkinson is a master of such designs. Polly joins Sarah this week to share her no‑nonsense methods for transforming everything from boxy new‑build plots to tired, inherited gardens into layered, soulful spaces. In this episode, discover: How to think like a garden designer, surveying, shaping and structuring spaces before you plant Practical ways to transform new‑build and small gardens, or refresh an existing garden Guidance on choosing materials and finishes that feel good underfoot, are easy to maintain, and will age beautifully over time. How to use colour and planting layers to create a soulful, wildlife‑friendly garden with interest through the seasons Products mentioned: Amelanchier lamarckii: sarahraven.com/products/amelanchier-lamarckii Lavender ‘Munstead’: sarahraven.com/products/lavender-munstead Nepeta x faassenii 'Kit Kat': sarahraven.com/products/nepeta-x-faassenii-kit-kat See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Chelsea is upon us, and among the beauty of all the show gardens lies a very special offering from Arit Anderson and Parkinson’s UK. She’s planting with purpose in a garden which promises to reflect every Parkinson’s journey in a beautifully poignant way, and on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, she walks us through the planting ethos and careful design behind one of Main Avenue’s great sights for 2026. In this episode, discover: How Arit is reflecting her sister Julie’s Parkinson’s journey in a meaningful Chelsea Flower Show garden for Parkinson’s UK What Parkinson’s really is beyond the stereotypes, and why it’s so often misunderstood How thoughtful garden design can respond to real medical challenges Practical ideas for making any garden more accessible, sensory and restorative, whether or not you’re living with Parkinson’s The garden’s relocation to the John Radcliffe Hospital, and how it will serve the Parkinson’s community long after Chelsea Products mentioned: Digitalis purpurea ‘Alba’ (White Foxglove): sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-alba See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah Raven welcomes renowned garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith to uncover his visionary new garden for Tate Britain and how he’s reimagining it for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They explore his bold, foliage-rich planting, ingenious water features, and a remarkable new memorial garden at Badminton that promises to be one of the RHS’s most ambitious show gardens yet. In this episode, discover: How Tom Stuart-Smith is transforming a neglected, concrete-dominated acre at Tate Britain into a biodiverse, exotic garden The creative and practical challenge of turning that large-scale design into a Chelsea Flower Show garden where every element is destined to be reused at Tate The bold, foliage-led planting palette Tom has chosen – from cycads and Persian lilac to euphorbias, aspidistras and shade-loving exotics How water, sculpture and planting come together, including a finely engineered water feature and a Barbara Hepworth sculpture from a national collection Episode Cover Photo Credit: Eva Nemeth. See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Watch the full video episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/_T97COq6blM Throughout Mary Berry's life, the garden has played a charming role, from her wartime childhood plot to a brand-new garden started in her 80s - it’s an essential ingredient in her life. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Mary kindly joins us to explore a lifetime of gardening, how it’s inspired her new book, and how gardening can bring joy, structure and wellbeing at every stage of life. In this episode, discover: How Mary’s lifelong love of gardening began in her childhood and continues to shape her daily life Practical, gentle tips for spring gardening and successional planting How Mary approaches designing and maintaining a garden later in life, using evergreens, hedges and topiary for structure Everyday good habits in the garden, such as watering, deadheading, and keeping lawns neat Order Mary’s Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Gardening-Life-Mary-Berry/dp/0241726654 Products mentioned: Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’: sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-rijnvelds-early-sensation Narcissus ‘Silver Chimes’: sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-silver-chimes Narcissus ‘February Gold’: sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-february-gold Phlox drummondii ‘Blushing Bride’: sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-blushing-bride See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Sissinghurst is one of the country’s crowning gems of National Trust gardens, and a place in which Adam was brought up, around the beauty curated by his grandparents. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, we’re delving into the centuries of legacy which led to a spot perfect for Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson to create the poetic space we know and adore today, and how their vision is being revived today for generations to come. In this episode, discover: The remarkable story of how Vita Sackville-West turned a ruined Elizabethan courtyard house into one of the world’s most celebrated gardens How Sissinghurst evolved through centuries – from Renaissance palace to poetic family home and garden, and all in between The creative partnership between Vita and Harold Nicolson What makes the white garden so magical, from its glowing night-time palette to its scented, moth-pollinated plants How the newly reimagined Delos garden brings a Greek hillside to Kent, blending historical inspiration with modern design Products mentioned: Ammi majus: sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Ammi visnaga: sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga Agrostemma githago 'Milas Snow Queen': sarahraven.com/products/agrostemma-githago-milas-snow-queen See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: https://www.sarahraven.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest