Best Sarah Raven in conversation with Arthur Parkinson Podcasts (2025)

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Brenna Estrada & Arthur Parkinson: Exploring the undiscovered magic of violas and pansies - Episode 247 28:13

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24h ago28:13

28:13

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 …

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Josie Lewis: How to protect your garden from deer - Episode 246 24:21

7d ago24:21

24:21

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…

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Sarah’s guide to why you should treasure the beauty of brown tulips - Episode 245 11:30

14d ago11:30

11:30

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’. In this episo…

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Sarah's top tips for bringing spring closer and celebrate the garden year-round - Episode 244 23:04

21d ago23:04

23:04

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 cr…

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Sarah's top picks for wonderful winter flowers to grow in the greenhouse - Episode 243 15:29

28d ago15:29

15:29

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 ma…

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Sarah Raven: Squirrel-proofing your bulbs with ornamental pot toppers and edibles - Episode 242 16:21

1M ago16:21

16:21

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, an…

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Sarah Raven: Brilliant bulbs for a succession of colour - Episode 241 17:44

1M ago17:44

17:44

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 fo…

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Mark Diacono: Finding ‘Abundance’ in every season - Episode 240 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

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 i…

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Arthur Parkinson: Capturing the garden’s beauty with dried seedheads - Episode 239 20:01

2M ago20:01

20:01

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 decorati…

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Raymond Blanc OBE: Michelin Star inspiration for the kitchen garden - Episode 238 58:11

2M ago58:11

58:11

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 tantali…

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Pressed flower magic for bringing nature into the home with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 237 15:29

2M ago15:29

15:29

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, bri…

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How to enjoy your greenhouse every day of the year with Tom Brown - Episode 236 21:01

3M ago21:01

21:01

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 a…

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The allure of alliums in succession - Episode 235 18:44

3M ago18:44

18:44

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 …

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Drying dahlias for stunning hanging arrangements with Philippa Stewart - Episode 234 24:32

3M ago24:32

24:32

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 stunn…

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Secrets to Long-lasting Cut Flowers - Episode 233 16:02

3M ago16:02

16:02

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 pro…

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From Garden to Vase: Sarah’s Top Picks for Long-Lasting, Beautiful Cut Flowers - Episode 232 23:10

4M ago23:10

23:10

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 s…

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Craft, Community and Cultivating a Life in the Garden with Patrick Grant - Episode 231 38:37

4M ago38:37

38:37

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 Clo…

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Sweet Pea Secrets: Feeding, Picking and Favourite Varieties - Episode 230 18:33

4M ago18:33

18:33

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…

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Cooking on the fire in the great outdoors with Gill Meller - Episode 229 30:36

5M ago30:36

30:36

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 coo…

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The joys of growing and gardening with kids with Anna Greenland - Episode 228 25:53

5M ago25:53

25:53

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…

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A guide to staking and sustainable plant supports at Perch Hill - Episode 227 27:14

5M ago27:14

27:14

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 s…

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The RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s handpicked highlights with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 226 22:03

5M ago22:03

22:03

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 gar…

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Matrix planting for a beautiful and resilient garden with Gary Newell - Episode 225 26:37

6M ago26:37

26:37

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 …

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Biennials to sow from seed to fill the May gap - Episode 224 13:14

6M ago13:14

13:14

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 appreci…

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Perfect plants for a small town garden with big impact with Tom Stimpson - Episode 223 23:14

6M ago23:14

23:14

Tom Stimpson’s pint-sized garden is an inspiration for anyone with a small urban plot, and it’s packed with showstopping varieties that will flower for months on end providing colour, scent, and food for pollinators in a compact space. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Tom, our Head of Horticulture, tells Sarah how he’s brought his sma…

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Sarah’s favourite scented varieties for spring - Episode 222 29:04

6M ago29:04

29:04

Gardens are a multisensory experience, and while we primarily think of aesthetics, it’s the scent of spring plants which is absolutely second to none. Sarah’s flying solo this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share her pick of favourite scented spring bulbs and other perfumed plants to envelop your senses and uplift your spirits. In this episo…

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Growing in pots on a London balcony with Jemima Bowker - Episode 221 29:42

7M ago29:42

29:42

Urban gardeners who rent will be familiar with the need to transport their portable gardens frequently, so which plants are ideal for pots and containers that are often on the move? Jemima Bowker is our beginner and balcony gardening expert with a relocation on the horizon. This week, she joins Sarah to chat about the ideal varieties for all sizes …

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Species tulips and why you should grow them with Josie Lewis - Episode 220 28:32

7M ago28:32

28:32

There's been some exciting breeding and hybridising using species tulips - those closely related to wild tulips - in recent years, which has made them perfect plants for withstanding tulip fire. Species tulips are a newfound favourite for Josie and Sarah at Perch Hill, and in this episode we’ll hear why they’re a must-have for pots in particular, a…

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Enter the secret world of bees and their honey with Rachel de Thample - Episode 219 27:14

7M ago27:14

27:14

Bees are an absolute passion for us at Perch Hill, not just for their pollination and presence in the garden, but for their delicious and nutritious produce too. The same can be said for award-winning author and fermentation expert, Rachel de Thample, who joins Sarah this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share delicious honey-inspired recipes …

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Why garden birds have so much to teach us with Adam Nicolson - Episode 218 28:28

7M ago28:28

28:28

There’s a rich, complex, and utterly rewarding natural world that co-exists alongside ours, and relies on our gardens for food and safety – the often surprising world of small garden birds. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Adam Nicolson shares insights from his new book, Bird School, which explores the secret life of these tiny avian visito…

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What to sow and plant this spring with some of Sarah’s greatest guests - Episode 217 28:56

8M ago28:56

28:56

Spring is here in all its glory, and with it comes the perfect moment to plant and sow. This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’ve compiled our top tips and growing inspiration from not one, but seven of Sarah’s all-time favourite guests. From Knepp’s Charlie Harpur on his favourite plants for pollinators, to the veg varieties Jess Gough is grow…

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A guide to compost making for no dig gardening with Charles Dowding - Episode 216 34:59

8M ago34:59

34:59

Charles Dowding is world-renowned as a pioneer of no dig growing, and while it’s great for saving time and effort, it’s also proven to be more productive and better for the environment, and the soil, too. Who better to hear from on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ than the pioneer himself, as Charles joins Sarah and Josie to share his decades of experien…

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The rewards of growing your own delicious fruit and veg varieties with Joe Clark - Episode 215 30:52

8M ago30:52

30:52

Like many gardeners, Joe Clark was captivated by the magic of growing his own food at a young age, and now inspires millions more to be enthralled by the same fascinating process via his popular social media channels. Joe is an advocate for planting fruit, veg and flowers that you may not ordinarily encounter in the supermarket, and on this episode…

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Seasonal picks for successional colour and boosting biodiversity with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 214 22:09

8M ago22:09

22:09

Lighter, longer days signal the start of a joyous season for gardeners, and March is the perfect month to plan for the highlights of your spring and summer garden. Arthur Parkinson returns to ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ this week to share the plants that brought him the most joy last year, the trials he’ll be undertaking in his own compact garden at…

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Our role in supporting wild and solitary bees as gardeners with Richard Rickitt - Episode 213 37:33

8M ago37:33

37:33

Bees are one of the most essential species in our ecosystem, and all of our gardens play a vital role in providing food and shelter for them to thrive. Beekeeper, gardener and writer Richard Rickitt’s passion for these particular pollinators is utterly infectious. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Richard shares what inspired him to st…

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The best of the best narcissi for early spring colour and scent - Episode 212 20:58

9M ago20:58

20:58

Narcissi are such rewarding plants to grow, tolerant of almost any site and situation. At Perch Hill in particular, it’s shaping up to be a stellar spring for the humble daffodil and its more diminutive narcissus relatives. Whether it’s perenniality, perfume or punchy colours that you’re after in your own garden, in this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, ar…

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Talking biodynamics and biodiversity in growing cut flowers with Alfie Nickerson - Episode 211 23:20

9M ago23:20

23:20

Alfie Nickerson is a biodynamic flower farmer making his mark in British horticulture, and his 3,500-strong dahlia field, buzzing with wildlife, is testament to that. After working for 6 years as a jobbing gardener in London, and then volunteering at Fern Verrow – the biodynamic farm of previous guest Jane Scotter – Alfie describes his journey in c…

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A return to Perch Hill - tales of a head gardener and talented florist with Bea Andrews - Episode 210 25:22

9M ago25:22

25:22

Bea Andrews is no stranger to Perch Hill - she was head gardener for many years, and is now back in a new guise as our visiting florist, aka Botanika Flora. It's a joy to welcome Bea back for this nostalgic episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ with Sarah as she shares her fascinating background and route into horticulture in her native Hungary, th…

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From entrepreneurialism to The Eden Project, a life’s work with Sir Tim Smit - Episode 209 26:01

9M ago26:01

26:01

The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall are two of the most important horticultural projects of recent times, both helmed by the brilliant mind of Sir Tim Smit – Sarah’s guest on the podcast this week. Tim’s work on pioneering projects like Eden is guided by three pillars that also resonate for Sarah – education, entrepreneuria…

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Our vital role as gardeners in supporting birds, with the RSPB’s Emma Marsh - Episode 208 40:32

10M ago40:32

40:32

If you're looking to support wild birds in your garden, the RSPB’s upcoming Big Garden Birdwatch is an essential event for us all. Adam Nicolson and Emma Marsh, Executive Director of the RSPB, join Sarah in this week’s bird-focused episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to discuss how to get involved in this weekend’s annual bird count, how it came …

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The life-changing magic of growing dahlias with Savannah Miller - Episode 207 19:28

10M ago19:28

19:28

Savannah Miller’s newfound passion for growing cut flowers, in particular dahlias, feeds fantastically into her contemporary bridal designs. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah and Savannah discuss her successful career in fashion, an unexpected foray into bridal design, and her newfound joy in growing cut flowers and vegetables. P…

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12 excellent edibles to sow early in 2025 - Episode 206 19:43

10M ago19:43

19:43

Be it a fully fledged kitchen garden, or a few window boxes outside your back door, It’s never too early to start planning which edibles you want to grow for the season ahead. Following last week’s flower-focused episode, this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ continues the sowing theme to highlight Sarah’s top pick of outstanding edibles to grow f…

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The 12 best flowery flowers to grow from seed - Episode 205 17:10

10M ago17:10

17:10

There are few more therapeutic jobs in the potting shed or polytunnel than sowing seeds, and if you’re looking to fill your spring garden with colourful cut flowers, now is the time to start sowing your standout varieties. In the first of two back-to-back episodes of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah turns her attention to the cut flowers she’ll be…

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The grounding joy of gardening with Sarah Raven & Alex Clark – Episode 204 38:24

11M ago38:24

38:24

For those who garden, whether on a windowsill or on a grander scale, it soon becomes a source of inspiration, passion and peace. A way to ground and find solace and, increasingly, a test of resilience and adaptability too. In a reversal of the usual ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ format, journalist and broadcaster Alex Clark turns guest question master…

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Ottolenghi’s ultimate comfort food for Christmas (and beyond) with Tara Wigley and Verena Lochmuller - Episode 203 24:01

11M ago24:01

24:01

Every Ottolenghi book is a gift, filled with a treasure trove of unique recipes and the latest, Comfort – perfectly timed for Christmas feasting – is no exception. In fact, by the end of this week’s episode you may well be rethinking your own festive menu… A self-confessed Ottolenghi fan, Sarah is joined Verena Lochmuller and Tara Wigley – two of t…

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How to craft a colourful, sustainable Christmas - Episode 202 32:34

11M ago32:34

32:34

Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year, and sustainability need not detract from that joy. With a little bit of forethought, we can all enjoy a colourful and creative celebration that respects our planet too. Sarah is a passionate advocate for sustainability, so in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ she shares some of the mos…

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Q&A: How do I make my mark on a new garden? What can I forage for wreath decorations? What’s the difference between part-shade and full sun? How can I start coppicing? 10:45

11M ago10:45

10:45

Welcome to the December Q&A episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, where Sarah & Josie answer questions sent in by our lovely listeners each month. In this episode, Josie shares how best to create your dream garden from one that you’ve just moved into, and enlightens us on what constitutes part-shade and full-sun, so that we can plant our flowers w…

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Perfect gift ideas from our Christmas range with Arthur Parkinson - Episode 201 30:53

11M ago30:53

30:53

Christmas is only a few short weeks away, and while the garden may be winding down into winter mode, it’s the perfect time to spread joy to green-fingered friends with some well-considered gifts and elegant decorations. With Arthur joining Sarah this week for an exciting journey through the pages of our latest Christmas catalogue, Sarah explains wh…

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This month in your garden: December 9:52

11M ago9:52

9:52

The garden winds down in December, but there’s still a few small jobs that’ll stand it in good stead for the year to come. In this monthly episode of ‘grow, cook, eat arrange’, Sarah takes us through which bulbs can be forced now, and an experimental watering technique, while Josie runs down the winter pruning plans and why it’s not too late to pla…

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Inspiring biodiversity on a grand scale with Dominic Rose - Episode 200 26:38

11M ago26:38

26:38

Dominic Rose holds multiple roles; Chair of Sarah Raven, self-appointed ‘amateur gardener’, and leading advocate in bringing biodiversity to the residential gardens and back yards of Britain. In our 200th episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Dominic unpacks his ambitions for ‘Britain’s Biggest Living Garden’ – a community action project in North …

Sarah Raven In Conversation With Arthur Parkinson Podcasts