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

Latest Episodes:

Standout Stalwarts from the Latest Trials at Perch Hill - Episode 84 Sep 08, 2022

Show notes

Every year at Perch Hill we trial some of the most promising flower families in search of the most spectacular, scented, showstopping varieties, and in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’re bringing you a sneak peek.

Hear from Sarah & Arthur about some of the best performers and most dazzling prospects, from the prolific Rudbeckias in the Enchanted series to the gorgeously aromatic Sweet Pea Amelia Fox.

In this episode, discover:

Which of the flowers being trialled now are captivating Sarah & Arthur most
The new modular rubber seed tray which is ideal for handling young plants
Recent trial standouts, like the staggeringly productive Rudbeckia Enchanted Night to the colour-rich, sweet-scented Sweet Pea Windsor
Sarah & Arthur’s pick of the mints, and top tips on repotting them for maximum flavour

Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Harness the Versatile Magic of Tomatoes with Claire Thomson - Episode 83 Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

Tomatoes have proven to be one of the most versatile edibles you can grow, and very few people have such unbridled passion for them as Claire Thomson and Sarah Raven.

Claire’s latest book - aptly named ‘Tomato’ - contains a staggering number of recipes, and the best-selling author joins Sarah to discuss her favourite, delicious tomato-based dishes, innovative ways in which to cook them, and standout varieties.

In this episode, discover:

Claire’s journey of culinary discovery, learning the versatility of tomatoes
Fantastic uses for tomatoes in butter chicken, burnt tomato salsa, and so many more
Top tomato varieties, whether tinned or fresh, and how the tomato’s shape & size can influence your cuisine
Incredible, flavour-rich recipes like Claire’s mouth-watering roasted tomato falafel

Follow Claire:
http://5oclockapron.com/
https://www.instagram.com/5oclockapron/

Order Tomato by Claire Thomson:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1787137856?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1
Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

The Colourful Flourish of a Wonderful Wildflower Meadow - Episode 82 Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

Wildflowers can be made to absolutely flourish with low maintenance for an overwhelming wow-factor, and a meadow can become a wonderful source of nectar for our pollinators.

The early Autumn months open the perfect window to sow a wildflower meadow, which can have a spot in your garden teeming with wildlife. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ discover the perfect floral combinations to breathe life into a wildflower meadow.

In this episode, discover:

Fantastic perennial additions to a wildflower meadow, from dense, colourful Yarrow to the aromatic, long-flowering Marjoram
The vital role of Yellow Rattle in promoting prolific wildflower growth
Key differences between annual and perennial meadows, and which is ideal for you

Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Dazzling New Allium Varieties - Episode 81 Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

Alliums possess a bombastic silhouette that’s nothing short of iconic, and make a perfect addition to borders. While we’ve covered Alliums before on the podcast, there are a number of brand new varieties to rekindle your passion for them.

In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah & Arthur shine a spotlight on the recent newcomers to the family, from the shuttlecock-like ‘Magic’ to the towering, 7ft figure of ‘Summer Drummer’.

In this episode, discover:

The most exciting new Alliums, reminiscent of old favourites with uniquely dazzling qualities
Classic varieties like Purple Sensation & Schubertii, which remain among Sarah & Arthur’s top picks
A tip that Sarah picked up from Clarissa Dickson Wright on chopping onions
Growing leek as a handsome flower, rather than purely as an edible plant
Planning ahead to Christmas, and preparing to adorn your tree with Alliums

Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Extreme Heat: How to Keep Your Garden Thriving in Hot Weather #BONUS Aug 15, 2022

Show notes

Heatwaves are an ever growing phenomenon, and not a welcome one for those of us trying to keep our gardens teeming with life and colours beyond the browns of dehydrated grassland.

In a timely bonus episode, Sarah’s bringing us five actions we can all take to help our plants beat the heat, from reusing water in the face of potential hosepipe bans, to releasing water slower with the help of solutions like Hortiwool.

In this episode, discover:

Where we can reuse water in case of hosepipe bans
How to water your pots efficiently with barrows and tubtrugs
Hortiwool’s environmentally friendly insulation for slow-release watering
Top performing varieties of drought tolerant plants

Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

The Best of Autumn 2022 - Episode 80 Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

Summer months are waning, and the prospect of darker evenings should encourage us all to bring light, colour and beauty into our gardens throughout the autumn season.

That brings a perfect opportunity to dive into the autumn catalogue, and highlight the new varieties and beloved favourites which promise to enrich your space, whether bathing it in strong hues with some of the new Tulips, or filling it with fragrance from incredible Wallflowers.

In this episode, discover:

The huge array of standout Tulips, from productive perennial varieties to colourful collections perfect for potted planting
Staggering wallflowers with luscious fragrance, and how to make them last as a cut flower
Which winter salads and edibles are hardy enough to give you so much through the cold months to come
A selection of delightful homeware, from the beautiful Ornate Candelabra, to the Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder to keep the garden buzzing with wildlife

Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Simple Scatter Plants for Pots - Episode 79 Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

Low maintenance, cheap and easy potted plants are a wonderful entry point for even the most inexperienced gardeners, and there are plenty of options for a rapid burst of colour.

Whether it’s the Hollyhocks that thrive in the meanest ground, or Californian Poppies which are among the quickest to grow into their extravagant form, you’re bound to find a new favourite potted flower in this week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’.

In this episode, discover:

The easiest seeds and seedlings to plant for filling a pot with vibrance and fragrance
Which of the Poppies and Linarias excel for quickly going from seed to flower
How Hollyhocks thrive in meaner soil, while Foxgloves & Honesty adore being scattered

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

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

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Growing Herbs for Scrumptious Seafood Recipes with Mitch Tonks - Episode 78 Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

There is an understated power in herbs to elevate a plain seafood dish into a truly extraordinary experience, and using as many herbs in his dishes for exactly this reason is the renowned restaurateur and writer, Mitch Tonks.

Between Fish Works and Rockfish he’s demonstrated his expertise in the finest seafood, and shares an abundance of recipes for you to try with your home grown herbs. We also dive into some top tips for growing your own herbs, and tricks to excel in cooking your fish dishes.

In this episode, discover:

Mitch’s rich history with fishing, superlative seafood and herbs
Tips on avoiding common cooking pitfalls, like fish being overcooked or sticking to a pan
Why harder herbs like Savoury or Thyme are perfectly suited for grilled fish, while softer herbs best complement a delicious dressing
A plethora of Mitch’s extraordinary recipes, from hugely flavoursome Sea Bass with Salsa Primavera, to simpler recipes that anyone can cook in a bag
Advice for growing Basil and sowing Flat Leaf Parsley, for which the current season is still perfectly suited

Follow Mitch
https://twitter.com/mitchtonks
https://www.instagram.com/mitchseafood/

Order Mitch’s Books
https://www.mitchtonks.co.uk/books-2/
Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

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

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Flowers for Entertaining in the Garden - Episode 77 Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

It’s the season for entertaining with dinner parties and garden gatherings, and there are so many ways that flowers can punctuate your occasion with immeasurable glamour.

Whether you’re creating decorations for the centrepiece of a table, or using petals as a wonderful, frugal alternative to confetti, Sarah & Arthur have some essential tips for impressing your guests this summer, plus a delicious salad recipe.

In this episode, discover:

The grid system of branches that can replace oasis or floral foam in your table arrangements
Which roses are ideal for providing long-lasting petals to use as an exciting alternative to confetti
Eye-catching lights to bring a delicate evening glow to your garden
Varieties of flowers perfect for cut flower arrangements or living pots as a table’s centrepiece
Sarah’s truly delicious recipe for a warm salad rich in flavour, a perfect companion for the summer evenings ahead

Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H
View all products mentioned and find further advice from Sarah: https://bit.ly/3f2DFiH

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

A New, Empathetic Approach to Nutrition with Amelia Freer - Episode 76 Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

Growing your own veg brings a refreshing seasonality to dishes that forms part of Amelia Freer’s passionate dedication to making better nutrition easier for everyone.

A brilliant Nutritionist, Author and even formerly a PA to Prince Charles, Amelia brings her uplifting, empathetic approach around changing our food habits to this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’.

In this episode, discover:

A new, empathetic system for adapting food habits, and how you can tailor it for yourself
The difference between head hunger, mouth hunger & stomach hunger
Some of Amelia’s favourite tray bakes and one pot dishes
Embracing the approach of cooking ahead of time, a fantastic opportunity for people short on free time
The delightful element of seasonality in your food that comes from growing your own edibles

Follow Amelia:
https://ameliafreer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AmeliaFreer
https://www.instagram.com/ameliafreer/
Order Amelia’s books:
https://ameliafreer.com/books/
Order Sarah’s book: https://bit.ly/2TWHJcz
Order Arthur’s book: https://bit.ly/3xOov7H

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

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 Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/

Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest