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

Colour is best when it’s tangible, and if you’re planning a patch in your garden then this episode of the Mini Series is perfect to help you bring your plans to life.

In this episode of the Colour Guide Mini Series, Sarah dives into the practical side of using colour as the backbone of your garden design - from using candles to visualise colour combinations, to the ‘bride, bridesmaid, gate crasher’ structure that’ll help guide you towards an ensemble that works in harmony.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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-maint...

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.

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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.

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Shane Connolly is a master of many arts, and one that he exhibits throughout the year is how to use sustainable floristry to create a sense of charm often reserved for the tiniest of tables.

That’s why he’s in such high demand - we talk through his exciting, varied year of arranging in this week’s podcast, with a look at the festive season, and a few tips to serve your own arranging in the festive season, taking inspiration from Shane’s wondrous wedding displays.

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Whether you're nurturing a bustling city plot or a country border, there’s a spot in everyone’s gardens, pots and borders for beautiful, productive perennials throughout the year.

Following on from last week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Arthur is with us again to focus this time on perennials that are light-touch and bountiful for those of us putting together a low-maintenance garden.

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The ideal garden for our busy daily lives has a border bursting with colour, without the need for hours spent toiling to achieve it.

This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is the perfect antidote to fussy flowers - Arthur Parkinson returns to laud the best self-seeding perennials for a low-maintenance garden brimming with lasting impact and scent.

You’ll hear inspiring ornamentals and edibles to sow, how best to maintain their beauty with minimal effort, and which varieties are most tolerant of tricky soil.

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Following on from last week’s wintry themed episode on containers, this week we’re setting our sights on the summer ahead, on what’ll bring colour to your pots at the season’s peak.

Josie’s absolute burning passion is containers, and this week she gives her plant picks for pots taking us through summer and autumn.

Join us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ as we delve into the ‘thriller, filler, pillar, spiller’ method for arranging containers, which combinations have stood out in their trials, and how to gently treat your flowers for maximum impact.

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The garden’s magic needn’t be seasonal - containers can be the heroes of hue in even the coldest months.

It’s time to assemble your winter containers ready to keep the scent and colour peaking, carrying us through till spring, with 12 inspiring varieties from Sarah and our Head Gardener, Josie Lewis.

Join them on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ for a plethora of plants perfect for containers of any size, and how to keep them all looking their very best.

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Whatever your garden’s size, picking plants with the right size and shape can be just as important for impact as their colour and scent.

Tom Stimpson returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week as we uncover the plants that form the backbone of beauty, function and vibrance all year round.

You’ll hear hardy varieties, plants for both the garden and the kitchen, and inspiration as to where you should sow each flower for maximum impact.

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It’s the run-in to Christmas, so if you’re thin on decorations and want to think more sustainably about dazzling your guests this year, turn to the garden and start drying flowers now.

In the first of many ‘12 Best’ episodes over the coming months, Tom Stimpson joins us as he and Sarah talk through the best flowers for stunning dried arrangements, and top tips to maintain their unique texture and colour throughout the season.

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Violas and pansies are among the more overlooked flower families, an outlook that Brenna Estrada’s new book hopes to change for the better.

She’s embraced their beauty as cut flowers throughout her gardening journey with Three Brothers Blooms, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ she shares her tips for newcomers to bring their violas and pansies to life, whether in the garden or as part of stunning arrangements.

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As anyone in an area surrounded by larger animals might know, we’re entering a season where it’s harder to keep them at bay, and protect your handiwork from hungry mammals.

Sarah and Josie have been hard at work finding what’s most effective for keeping deer away, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, share their best advice on how you can fend off any unwanted visits from large mammals.

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Sarah once overlooked the beauty of the brown tulip, but over time has only grown to love them more and more.

There’s a shade for every space, and so if you’re seeking inspiration on how to bring the beauty of Dom Pedro and La Belle Epoque into your garden, then brown tulips take centre stage on this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’.

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As the days grow shorter and the garden’s colours fade for winter, it’s easy to feel a little wistful for spring’s vibrant cheer, and it’s not always as far away as one might think…. 

In this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah shares her favourite ways to bring a burst of early colour into your home and garden, from clever bulb planting, to creative and natural flower arranging. 

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One of the joys of year-round gardening is the succession that comes from a bulb lasagne, and for those with a greenhouse, the possibilities are stunning.

This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is full of inspiration for early narcissi, late tulips, and dahlias fit for each layer of a bulb lasagne, with a quick recap on how to layer them for maximum impact.

We’ll also hear Sarah’s homemade remedy for mildew, a pesky problem that greenhouse gardeners will need to watch out for as they grow their delightful arrangements.

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Pesky rodents can be a nightmare for pot gardeners trying to grow bulbs over the winter, but there’s plenty you can do to protect them, and put on a show while doing so!

In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, you’ll discover Sarah’s tried-and-true methods for keeping squirrels away, the best looking varieties for form and function alike, and creative ways to make your pots work double duty with beautiful and edible pot toppers. 

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As autumn arrives and bulb planting season begins, it's the perfect time to start planning next year’s garden so that it’s bursting with colour all year long. 

In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah takes you on a journey through the bulbs carrying the colour baton in the Oast garden at Perch Hill, sharing how to layer bulbs in pots for maximum impact, and how to select varieties that will thrive in your space. 

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For those who look carefully and stay connected to nature, there’s abundance to be found all year round.

That’s the commitment at the heart of Mark Diacono’s new book, which he’s penned in the years since his last appearance on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ in April 2021!

Mark joins us once again to share his latest discoveries, festive recipes, and inspirations for those with one foot in the garden, and the other in the kitchen.

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While some of your flowers might’ve lost the colour that gave you joy throughout the summer, their charm in your home is far from over.

Drying seedheads is one of Sarah and Arthur’s great delights, and with summer rolling into autumn it’s the perfect time to start drying seedheads and grasses ready to create stunning, sustainable Christmas decorations.

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Of all the inspiring chefs to show a heartfelt appreciation for the work of the gardener, Raymond Blanc OBE might be the greatest advocate. 

The world-renowned restaurateur lauds the ‘magic of the garden and the miracles of the kitchen’ throughout his work. We’re fortunate to dive into his illustrious past, and how it guides some of the most tantalising dishes from his latest kitchen garden cookbook, as he joins us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week.

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Pressing flowers can be one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to immortalise the joyous blooms in your garden, and it’s a craft close to Arthur Parkinson’s heart.

Arthur joins us on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share the history behind this timeless craft, and tips for beginners to press their own vibrant and beautiful flowers, bringing nature effortlessly into your home.

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A greenhouse is not just for summer - it’s for the whole year round, and it’s far more versatile than many give it credit for.

Tom Brown returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, fresh from the release of The Greenhouse Book, the writing of which has given him a new perspective on just how much delight it can bring in all seasons.

Join Tom and Sarah as they share tips for siting your greenhouse, what to put in the greenhouse heading into autumn, and how to manage the pest population to keep you...

The season from May to August has been so extraordinary, thanks in no small part to the succession of alliums passing the baton throughout the summer months.

August is prime time for sowing alliums ready for next year, so in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah takes us through a whole host of varieties that’ll have your garden dancing with dazzling and rich bulbs.

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Philippa Stewart started ‘Justdahlias’ when a passion turned into an obsession, and her talent for drying dahlias is a fabulous way to intensify their impact.

This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ dives into Philippa’s journey into dahlia drying, different techniques for drying them yourself, how best to arrange them, and the most stunning varieties when dried.

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Over the course of 32 years Sarah has been perfecting the art of conditioning cut flowers, and her indispensable tips will help breathe life into your vases.

This week’s episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ covers 7 essential tips to condition any of your plants for not just a long-lasting tenure in an arrangement, but for keeping them looking proud and pretty for longer.

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Cut flowers are one of the great joys of summer, and since Sarah’s last episode on cut flowers, there are a host of wonderful new varieties worthy of adorning your vases.

This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ hones in on 20 of the best flowers for taking cuttings throughout the coming season, offering unbeatable scent, intriguing shapes, and staggering productivity all summer long.

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The Great British Sewing Bee brings so much delight to those who watch it, and instrumental to its charm is Co-Host Patrick Grant, this week’s fabulous podcast guest.

This week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ dives into the magic behind the show, what makes it so enjoyable for everyone on and off-screen, Patrick’s marvellous mission with Community Clothing, and the ambitious plans for an inspiring garden transformation at his Yorkshire home.

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At this time of year sweet peas are one of the season’s greatest joys, whether through the earlier flowering varieties or the incredibly fragrant flowers.

In this solo episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah dives into the best growing systems for stunning sweet peas, a new method for picking & deadheading, and the specific sweet peas that will make your garden sing through spring.

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There’s nothing quite like cooking outside, and summer provides the perfect opportunity to light a fire and cook up a feast, all inspired by expert tips and recipes courtesy of chef and author, Gill Meller.

Highlighting delicious recipes from his book ‘Outside’, Gill joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share stories of his early forays cooking outdoors, the recipes he couldn’t live without, and some common pitfalls to avoid when you’re inevitably inspired to cook on the fire.

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Between starting out at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, a spot on Alan Titchmarsh’s new TV show, and raising two young daughters, organic grower Anna Greenland is a modern horticultural heroine.

Returning to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this month, Anna joins Sarah to share how she inspires her children to grow with her, tips for encouraging younger family members to embrace gardening, and what to sow or harvest now to enjoy the kitchen garden’s greatest gifts.

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As May turns to June the weather can often be blustery at Perch Hill, so it’s the perfect moment to get supports and stakes in place to avoid plants being damaged in high winds.

Inspired by the sustainable materials that grow plentifully in this particular part of East Sussex, this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is a masterclass on sustainable staking as Sarah unpacks the most suitable materials, where to source them, and most importantly, the best methods to ensure they won’t budge in a storm.

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This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show was yet another terrific exhibition of horticultural beauty, to which Arthur Parkinson had a fabulous front-row seat. 

Arthur takes the mic on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week, once again bringing you the best in show, from the headlines of royal roses to the lesser-known stories from incredible stands and gardens at the show.

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While we all love a trip to the garden centre for short-term inspiration, a more measured approach to buying the right kind of plants for your plot can help you achieve a beautiful and sustainable garden, with year-round interest and resilience.

This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ Sarah is joined by Gary Newell, Senior Horticultural Buyer, who advises us to ditch the impulse plant purchases and instead, follow his simple rules for matrix planting – a method he’s used to great effect in his own garden at home.

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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.

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