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

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 years
• The authentic passion behind Ann-Marie’s exciting designs and delightful presence on social media
• Which show stopping flowers will be stealing the spotlight at RHS Chelsea this year
• How Ann-Marie and the team are creating their gorgeous exhibition with such a tight turnaround time

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

Follow Ann-Marie: https://bit.ly/3kdxwDl 

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 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 Hill
• Marvellous creatures that can be found in rock pools
• How we can help nurture sealife with your very own rock pools
• The peculiar story behind Sarah & Arthur’s ‘Big Sheep Crisis’

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order 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/000829478X
Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 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 early
• Which hardy annuals to sow early for truly incredible growth
• How to grow flowers with stronger roots and better disease resistance
• The hardy nature shared by many plants with ‘snow’, ‘frost’ or ‘ice’ in the name
• Sarah’s recipe for a pleasant, delicious chilli jam

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 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 biodynamics
• Fern Verrow’s marvellous 16-acre farm
• Jane’s favourite varieties of tomato, courgette & aubergine for delicious flavour & gorgeous appearance
• Their collaboration with Melissa from Jam Jar Flowers and Skye Gyngell at Spring Restaurant

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

Fern Verrow: https://www.fernverrow.com/
Cover Photo Credit: James McNaught

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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

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 predators
• The best breeds to keep as layers, or as magnificent pets
• What & how often to feed, and keeping feeders out of reach of rodents
• How to put your hens’ eggs to delicious use in a classic Victoria Sponge

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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

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 organically
• Various ways to entice wildlife into your organic garden to help keep slugs and snails at bay
• A selection of Sarah Mead’s favourite ornamental & native organic flowers
• Yeo Valley Organic’s exciting maiden outing at Chelsea Flower Show this year
• Sarah’s keen interest in a revolution for organic food 

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

Yeo Valley Website: https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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

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 size
• A cheap alternative to hessian fabric/burlap, to help your new plants thrive
• Ideal decorations to radiate natural light on peaceful evenings
• Sarah & Arthur’s favourite places to find comfortable, welcoming furniture

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 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 planet
• The secret substitute ingredients behind some of Anna’s most delightful dishes
• How toppings and texture help take your home cooking to Michelin star restaurant quality
• Anna’s cooking course, and her belief that cooking skills are truly for anyone

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

Anna Jones: http://annajones.co.uk/
One: Pot, Pan, Planet: https://amzn.to/3Bjj96W

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 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 aphids
• How to best treat your soil for feeding thriving plants
• Why Arthur is a champion of big pots over smaller ones, and his tips for carefully watering them
• Tips on using nematodes to keep vine weevils at bay
• Ideal times of year to use or avoid using saucers under plant pots
• A selection of scented varieties of Pelargoniums

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3zKskeT

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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

As the latter summer months wane into autumn, pleasing perennials sweep into season - from the hard-working and rich Phlox ‘Blue Paradise’ to the hardy mainstay of the garden that is the beloved Salvia family.

Sparking inspiration for your own containers, borders, cut flower arrangements and everywhere in between, Sarah & Arthur this week run through the plethora of perennials they consider the pick of the bunch, and share a delightful smoked haddock fish cake recipe with peppery, crushed nasturtiums.

In this episode, discover:

• A gorgeous selection of Phlox, adding soft clouds of colour to a border
• The fabulous Asters that come into their own in the autumn garden
• Vital advice for this time of year, an ideal time to propagate your own Salvias
• Sarah’s delicious recipe for smoked haddock fishcakes, replacing pepper with a colourful collection of crushed Nasturtiums

View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3jJZSFx

Order Sarah’s new book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s new book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

See our events: https://www.sarahraven.com/courses-events

Get in touch: [email protected]

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