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

Sarah Raven
  • 4.9 (174)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to grow, cook, eat, arrange, the weekly podcast from gardener, writer, teacher,and cook, Sarah Raven. Over the last two decades, Sarah has led the way by introducing a new kind of productive gardening which places emphasis on intense colour, sophistication, and achievability. Recorded at the beautiful Perch Hill Farm in Sussex, Sarah talks with special guests from across garden design, floristry, food, ecology, conservation, and more. Brimming with top tips and helpful hints, listen and learn how to create your most productive garden ever. You can find out more about the products discussed in each episode or get in touch by visiting the website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

  1. The Colour Guide Mini Series #2: Understanding colour theory - Episode 262

    5D AGO

    The Colour Guide Mini Series #2: Understanding colour theory - Episode 262

    Each colour palette in the garden creates a unique atmosphere, and you don’t need intricate knowledge of the colour wheel to combine them cohesively in the garden. In this episode of the Colour Guide Mini Series, Sarah talks us through why her colour palette system works to create stunning arrangements which work with each other, rather than against each other, and how to transition between palettes within neighbouring spaces. In this episode, discover: How Sarah’s four core colour palettes each create a distinct mood in the gardenWhere each palette works best at Perch Hill, and where they might be most suited in your own spaceHow to avoid a cluttered, chaotic feeling by thinking of colour palettes in ‘visual fields’How to use bridge plants and universal colours to link different palettes seamlesslyWays to work with trickier colours so that they enhance your space, rather than overwhelm itProducts mentioned: Dahlia 'Molly Raven': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-raven Tulip 'Slawa': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-slawa Tulip 'Apricot Foxx': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-apricot-foxx Phlox paniculata 'David': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-paniculata-david Erysimum 'Winter Orchid': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/erysimum-winter-orchid Phlox drummondii grandiflora 'Cherry Caramel': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-cherry-caramel Tulip 'Dom Pedro': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedro 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

    31 min
  2. The Colour Guide Mini Series #1: My life in colour - Episode 261

    FEB 12

    The Colour Guide Mini Series #1: My life in colour - Episode 261

    Welcome to the first in a brand new miniseries of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, as Sarah delves into the world of colour, and how to use each colour palette to its absolute maximum potential in the garden. In this week’s first episode, Sarah shares how the colour system used at Perch Hill came to be, the theories behind mixing certain palettes, and the difference between calm and chaos when combining colours. In this episode, discover: How Sarah’s experiences as a florist, gardener and colour-obsessed child shaped her approach to garden colourHow the colour palettes underpin every border at Perch HillWhy misuse of colour can make some gardens feel chaotic The six key colours within each palette, from citrus brights and Venetian velvets to café-au-lait pastels and cool silversWhy no colour is truly “wrong” in a garden, and how the right combinations and contrasts can make even challenging shades singProducts mentioned: Tulip 'Mariette': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-mariette Tulip 'Sarah Raven': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-sarah-raven Tulip 'Slawa': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-slawa Tulip 'Dom Pedro': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-dom-pedro Tulip 'Copex Cairo': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tulip-copex-cairo Dahlia 'Waltzing Mathilda': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-waltzing-mathilda Dahlia 'Schipper’s Bronze’: https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-schippers-bronze Dahlia 'Tom's Choice': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-toms-choice Dahlia 'Molly Raven': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-raven Dahlia 'Perch Hill': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-perch-hill Dahlia 'Lou Farman': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farman Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-rubenza Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-dazzler Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-xanthos Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot': https://www.sarahraven.com/products/digitalis-purpurea-suttons-apricot 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

    32 min
  3. Huw Richards: Learn to grow brilliant veg in a single bed - Episode 260

    FEB 5

    Huw Richards: Learn to grow brilliant veg in a single bed - Episode 260

    In this episode, Sarah is joined by YouTube phenomenon Huw Richards to talk about his journey from smallholding childhood to seven-acre experimental plot, and the ideas behind his hit book Veg in One Bed.  They’ll also cover exactly what to sow in late winter, and what’ll perform best when sown later – from chillies and aubergines to peas, onions and tomatoes.  In this episode, discover: How Huw Richards went from helping on his parents’ Welsh smallholding to building a seven-acre experimental food-growing siteThe story behind Huw’s first book, Veg in One Bed, and the sheer potential in a single 10x4ft bedHow Huw blends creativity with just enough science to keep things productiveExactly what Huw is sowing in late winter, and why timing mattersHow Huw’s now using his land to grow for education, biodiversity and foodEpisode Cover Photo Credit: Dorling Kindersley: Jason Ingram Products mentioned: Pepper 'Padron' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pepper-padron Courgette 'Black Beauty' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/courgette-black-beauty Aubergine 'Slim Jim' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubergine-slim-jim Spring Onion 'North Holland Blood Red' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spring-onion-north-holland-blood-red Tomato 'Sungold' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-sungold Tomato 'Tigerella' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-tigarella Tomato 'Honeycomb' F1 https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-honeycomb-f1 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

    33 min
  4. Josie Lewis: Hellebores for reliable winter colour - Episode 259

    JAN 29

    Josie Lewis: Hellebores for reliable winter colour - Episode 259

    From their resistance to deep snow and hard frosts, to long-flowering habits, hellebores are quietly spectacular plants that earn their keep in pots, borders and shady corners. This week we’re diving into one of the true stars of the winter garden, focusing on the new varieties that bring a renewed perspective on one of the winter garden’s most generous providers, and how to keep them looking their best in the garden or in a vase. In this episode, discover: How to choose hellebore varieties for pots, borders and different garden conditions, from shade to full sun with Corsican typesThe best new and classic hellebores for long winter colour, including Maestro, Merlin, Strawberry Moon, Bijou and the Pretty Ellen seriesHow to cut, condition and arrange hellebores so they stand proud in a vase for two weeksPractical ways to prevent and deal with pests and diseases like aphids, mice damage, leaf miner and black spotTips on soil, compost, potting and feeding so hellebores thrive as long-lived, reliable perennialsProducts mentioned: Helleborus niger https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-niger Helleborus argutifolius https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-argutifolius Helleborus x ballardiae 'Merlin' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-x-ballardiae-merlin Helleborus x 'Bijoux' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-bijoux Helleborus x 'Guess' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-guess Helleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Red' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-pretty-ellen-red Helleborus orientalis 'Pretty Ellen Spotted' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helleborus-orientalis-pretty-ellen-spotted 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

    27 min
  5. A Year of Cut Flowers: Behind the writing of Sarah’s new book with Milli Proust - Episode 258

    JAN 22

    A Year of Cut Flowers: Behind the writing of Sarah’s new book with Milli Proust - Episode 258

    March 2026 marks the release of perhaps Sarah’s most personal book to date, drawing from childhood love, family influence, and the evolution of one’s own gardening tastes. In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Milli Proust joins us to discuss Sarah's new book, ‘A Year of Cut Flowers’, blending the memoir and the method to trace her family’s historic love of flora, and how it drew Sarah into the world of cut flowers. In this episode, discover: How childhood wildflower hunts with Sarah’s father and her life with Adam shaped her lifetime love of cut flowersHow even a small, carefully planned patch of cut flowers can fill your home with abundant, seasonal bloomsThe surprisingly powerful impact of spacing and pinching on plant health, vase life and stem productionWhy gardening, and especially growing for the vase, can become such a life‑enhancing practice which evolves with youProducts mentioned: Abelia x grandiflora https://www.sarahraven.com/products/abelia-x-grandiflora Cerinthe major 'Purpurascens' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-purpurascens Euphorbia oblongata https://www.sarahraven.com/products/euphorbia-oblongata Salvia viridis 'Blue Monday' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salvia-viridis-blue Helianthus annuus 'ProCut Plum' (Sunflower) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/helianthus-annuus-procut-plum Ammi majus https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Phlox drummondii 'Blushing Bride' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/phlox-drummondii-blushing-bride 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

    37 min
  6. Arthur Parkinson: The 12 top self-seeding annuals and biennials - Episode 257

    JAN 15

    Arthur Parkinson: The 12 top self-seeding annuals and biennials - Episode 257

    The dream garden of low‑maintenance abundance is all about picking the plants that need hardly any input, just the lightest touch of editing, and they’ll give you months of shifting colour. In the third episode in this theme with Arthur, we dive into the self-seeding annuals and biennials that bring abundant colour to the garden with very little effort.  From forget-me-nots and violas to cerinthe, cosmos and quaking grasses, they share their favourite ‘volunteer’ plants, how to manage them, and simple ways to use them in borders and cut-flower arrangements for a truly low-maintenance, flower-filled garden. In this episode, discover: How to use self-seeding annuals and biennials to create a low‑maintenance, flower‑filled garden that largely looks after itselfInspired plant recommendations, from forget‑me‑nots and violas, to grasses, nasturtiums and Californian poppies Practical tips on managing self‑sowers - when to let them run, and when to thin them outWays to weave self‑seeders into borders, pots and even cracks in paving for long‑season colour, movement and structureProducts mentioned: Cerinthe major 'Kiwi Blue' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cerinthe-major-kiwi-blue Heart's Ease (Viola tricolor) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/viola-heartsease Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/anthriscus-sylvestris-ravenswing Cosmos bipinnatus 'Dazzler' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/cosmos-bipinnatus-dazzler Ammi majus https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-majus Panicum miliaceum 'Violaceum' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/panicum-violaceum Briza maxima (Greater Quaking Grass) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/briza-maxima-greater-quaking-grass Nicandra physalodes https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nicandra-physalodes Persicaria orientalis https://www.sarahraven.com/products/persicaria-orientalis Nasturtium 'Ladybird Rose' (Tropaeolum minus) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-ladybird-rose Nasturtium 'Bloody Mary' (Tropaeolum minus) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/nasturtium-bloody-mary 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

    32 min
  7. Josie Lewis: 12 standout scented plants for perfume through April to October - Episode 256

    JAN 8

    Josie Lewis: 12 standout scented plants for perfume through April to October - Episode 256

    For months of scent throughout the sunnier months, there are a whole host of nostalgic stalwarts and surprising new picks that are impossible to ignore. Every garden deserves a perfume as captivating as the 12 plants at the top of Josie and Sarah’s list this week, as they laud the dozen best flowers to sow for unbeatable aroma from April through to October. In this episode, discover: How to choose standout scented plants that really earn their place for perfume and looks alikeWhich specific varieties Sarah and Josie regularly rely on, and what makes each one specialPractical when-and-how tips for sowing, planting, and positioning scented plants to get fragrance from spring right through to autumnWays to use these plants as cut flowers, including vase-life tricks and how to make small bunches scent whole roomsHow to layer scent through borders, climbers, containers, and shrubs so that every corner of the garden offers a different perfumed momentProducts mentioned: Trachelospermum jasminoides https://www.sarahraven.com/products/trachelospermum-jasminoides Sweet Pea 'Matucana' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lathyrus-odoratus-matucana Narcissus 'Actaea' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/narcissus-actaea Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/matthiola-incana-pillow-talk Lonicera periclymenum 'Graham Thomas' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/lonicera-periclymenum-graham-thomas Acidanthera murielae (syn. Gladiolus) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/acidanthera-murielae 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

    30 min
  8. Tom Stimpson: The 12 best dahlias to enhance the late-summer garden - Episode 255

    JAN 1

    Tom Stimpson: The 12 best dahlias to enhance the late-summer garden - Episode 255

    Every year, we venture out to the Netherlands in search of the most captivating dahlias, each worthy of a spot in your garden to liven up the late-summer months. Tom Stimpson joins us again on the podcast to share their current ‘cream of the crop’, from reliable classics like ‘Molly Raven’ and ‘Adam’s Choice’, to gorgeous growers like ‘Strawberry Cream’ and ‘Princess Nadine’.  Join us for an episode packed with garden inspiration for any colour palette, and a glimpse into how we choose our standout favourites from a field of hundreds and thousands. In this episode, discover: How Sarah and Tom select stellar dahlias from Dutch trial fields, and the characteristics that make truly exceptional plantsVarieties that are pollinator-friendly to bring a buzz of life into the gardenHow to condition your dahlias for mighty vase lifeProducts mentioned: Dahlia 'Princess Nadine' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-princess-nadine Dahlia 'Skyfall' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-skyfall Dahlia 'Café au Lait' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-cafe-au-lait Dahlia 'Adam's Choice' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-adams-choice Dahlia 'Polka' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-polka Dahlia 'Strawberry Cream' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-strawberry-cream Dahlia 'Honka Pink' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-honka-pink Dahlia 'Molly Raven' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-molly-raven Dahlia 'Labyrinth' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-labyrinth Dahlia 'Lou Farman' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-lou-farman Dahlia 'Break Out' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-break-out Dahlia 'Verrone's Obsidian' https://www.sarahraven.com/products/dahlia-verrones-obsidian 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

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
174 Ratings

About

Welcome to grow, cook, eat, arrange, the weekly podcast from gardener, writer, teacher,and cook, Sarah Raven. Over the last two decades, Sarah has led the way by introducing a new kind of productive gardening which places emphasis on intense colour, sophistication, and achievability. Recorded at the beautiful Perch Hill Farm in Sussex, Sarah talks with special guests from across garden design, floristry, food, ecology, conservation, and more. Brimming with top tips and helpful hints, listen and learn how to create your most productive garden ever. You can find out more about the products discussed in each episode or get in touch by visiting the website: https://www.sarahraven.com/

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