Shows
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsSpecies tulips and why you should grow them with Josie Lewis - Episode 220There'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, and which incredible varieties have captured their attention.In this episode, discover:The remarkable resilience of species tulips to wetter springs and fungal disease A vibrant world of unique tulip varieties, from the flame-like Tulip...2025-04-1728 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends10 indispensable tools to make gardening a joy with Josie Lewis - Episode 199Gardening is a diverse pursuit, and there’s no shortage of tools and kit that can help transform horticultural chores into an easier, more pleasurable experience.In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Perch Hill’s Josie Lewis joins Sarah to look back over the gardening year and nominate the top 10 desert island tools that no gardener should live without.In this episode, discover:Tools and containers perfect for making light work of planting and sowingSarah and Josie’s favourites vases to make floral arrangements easier to put together and more visually appealingSarah’s all-time f...2024-11-2126 min
Mike The Gardener - Gardening PodcastMike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast - Josie Lewis - Sarah Raven's Head Gardener - Perch HillIn this episode of the Mike the Gardener - Gardening Podcast, I chat with Josie Lewis, the Head Gardener at Sarah Raven’s garden, Perch Hill in East Sussex.
We chat about:
Josie’s career to date
How she became Head Gardener at Perch Hill
Her role and responsibilities
The split between admin and gardening
Dahlias, of course, including selection and trialling
And much more
To learn more about Sarah Raven, click this link
To follow Josie Lewis on Instagram, click this link
To follow me on Instagram, click this link
2024-11-0139 min
Gardeners' CornerSarah Raven at Perch Hill and Tom Stuart-Smith at the Serge Hill ProjectIn this Gardeners’ Corner special, David Maxwell visits two gardening greats; Sarah Raven at her world famous East Sussex farmhouse, Perch Hill and designer Tom Stuart-Smith at the Serge Hill Project in Hertfordshire. At Perch Hill, David chats to Sarah about how the former medic became one of the most influential gardeners of our time and what it’s like when your home becomes part of the brand. Head gardener Josie Lewis shows him around the garden including the dazzling Dahlia patch – a flower Sarah can take much credit for bringing back into fashion. In the second part of the pr...2024-10-0556 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsAutumn bulb planting for a year of beauty with Josie Lewis - Episode 186Autumn is an exciting moment where your bulb planting now starts the colourful symphony that emerges the following spring, so it’s a perfect time to start getting creative.Head Gardener Josie Lewis joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share her top list of bulbs to plant this autumn, how many bulbs fill out your space, and we run through the art of the bulb lasagne.In this episode, discover:The irresistibly scented tulips like ‘Orca’ and ‘Hermitage’ which bring with them a splash of colourJosie’s favourite narcissi, including a brand new variety whic...2024-08-2227 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsPlan a stellar succession of plants for year-round beauty with Josie Lewis - Episode 183Just as relay racers pass a baton throughout their race, the many flowers in your garden pass a similar baton between themselves to bring year-round beauty.Plan your year perfectly with Sarah and Josie’s top plants to inspire and captivate, each with their own month in which to shine - learn more as we look at how to nail your succession planning in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’.In this episode, discover:What makes honesty such an invaluable cut flower and filler around the early spring timeThe most striking combination of dahlia...2024-08-0125 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThis month in your garden: JuneJune brings us the weather that we’ve been waiting so long to indulge in, so what should we focus on in the garden to help it thrive in the sunlit warmth?In this monthly episode, Josie Lewis shares the biennials you should be sowing to plug next year’s May gap, and Sarah lauds the appearance of rhubarb with a lovely cordial recipe.We also look at a new way that we’ve developed for picking sweet peas at this time of year, how to know when your pots need watering, and what makes this t...2024-06-0106 mingrow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsQ&A: What are the best potted plants? Are there dahlias you would recommend growing from seed? Which plants are ideal for shade?Welcome to the first of March’s Q&A podcast episodes, where Head Gardener Josie Lewis joins Sarah to directly answer questions from our listeners.In this month’s episode, we look at the plant varieties best suited to pots with consideration for both small tabletop and larger floor pots, Sarah & Josie share the Dahlias that they’d most recommend growing from seed, and we discover the perfect plants for varying levels of shade.Get in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeuFollow us on Instag...2024-03-0510 mingrow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsQ&A: When can you move seedlings outside? How do I treat gangly sweet peas? What can we do to combat dahlia gall?Welcome to the first of February’s Q&A podcast episodes, addressing questions directly from our listeners with Sarah Raven and Josie Lewis.Kicking off the month, we’ve a timely question on moving seedlings outside when they’ve been in a window propagator, and Sarah shares her golden rule to prevent sweet peas from developing a ‘gangly’ appearance.We also hear the latest on ‘dahlia gall’, with an abundance of Josie’s expertise on pests and diseases, and tips on how to prevent its spread in your own garden.Get in touch: info@sarahraven...2024-02-0610 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThe 12 Best Flowers for Glorious, Long-Lasting Presence in the Garden with Josie Lewis - Episode 157A desirable feature in so many plants is their ability to bring beauty to the garden for as long as possible, and in this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ we’re focusing on 12 of the very best.From stunning showstoppers to rampant climbers with gorgeous scent, Sarah is joined this week by Head Gardener Josie Lewis to discuss the 12 best long-performing flowers.In this episode, discover:Which shrubs and trees are perfect for making a huge impact with fantastic blossoms The perennial plants perfect for bold splashes of colour like Dahlia Molly Raven, or for...2024-02-0117 mingrow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThis month in your garden: FebruaryJoin Sarah Raven and Perch Hill’s Head Gardener, Josie Lewis, for a rundown of February’s essential gardening jobs.In the next of this mini-series leading you through the month’s most important tasks, we run through the flower groups that need sowing soon, how to keep your potatoes growing, and what wildlife to look out for - plus plenty more to keep you busy throughout February!Get in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeuFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Or...2024-02-0109 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsGardening Through the Winter Frost and Snow with Josie Lewis - Episode 154In the early months of the year, gardeners are faced with particularly challenging weather conditions, requiring care and attention to keep your garden thriving through the frost and snow.This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ centres around the things you can do to keep your garden glowing amid the battering winds and relentless rain - Josie Lewis joins Sarah to share her top tips.In this episode, discover:Why moderate snowfall can actually be useful for protecting against frostHow to protect roses from wind-rockEssential pot care through periods of intense rainfallThe benefit of not...2024-01-1116 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsHow to Perfectly Prune Your Gorgeous Roses with Josie Lewis - Episode 150This episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ is one for the rose-lovers at a time when it’s ideal to start pruning, and there are few voices better suited to weigh in on roses than our own Josie Lewis.Josie joins Arthur this week, as we hear her top tips on growing and pruning, the benefits of companion planting, which varieties have been standout favourites among Josie’s trials, and much more.In this episode, discover:How to tackle the pruning of shrub roses like Timeless Purple and Hot ChocolateDistinguishing features to help tell climbers...2023-12-1427 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThe Divisive Appeal of Amaryllis, and Josie Lewis’ Stunning Alternatives - Episode 140Amaryllis are fabulous and unusual additions to the house in winter, but while they’re an absolute must for Sarah Raven, Josie Lewis isn’t quite sold on them.If you’re with Sarah in loving their bombastic beauty then this week’s ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ gives you a sizable list to bring into your home. Else if you’re not a fan, then listen up for Josie’s alternative picks, from the watercolour Hellebore of Merlin to the unbeatable mood-lifting Snowdrops.In this episode, discover:Why Sarah fights the corner of Amaryllis, particularly whe...2023-10-0522 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThe Spectacle of Dahlia Breeding in Holland with Josie Lewis - Episode 136There’s almost no more intoxicating feeling in the floral world than catching eyes with a showstopping, undiscovered variety, particularly if it’s a rousing new Dahlia.Fresh back from Holland on a Dahlia-hunting expedition, Sarah Raven and Josie Lewis share the joys of visiting Dahlia breeders, what makes the perfect Dahlia, and what’s on our radar for 2024 and beyond…In this episode, discover:New and exciting varieties being trialled for the Sarah Raven rangeThe joyous moment of discovering new, remarkable Dahlias in HollandHow you can cross fertilise you own Dahlias at homeGet in...2023-09-0719 mingrow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsPrepare Your Garden for Heat Whilst You’re Away with Josie Lewis - Episode 130With every exciting summer holiday comes the dread of returning to your garden having suffered under the scorching heat, particularly if nobody can water your plants in your absence.That’s why this week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Head Gardener Josie Lewis returns to share the absolute heat-beating tips, from the collective power of grouping your pots to the life-saving use of capillary matting.In this episode, discover:How pots collected together around a bucket of water form a remarkable microcosm to keep them coolerMarvellously effective methods of giving plants water in your absenc...2023-07-2724 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThe Stunning Science of Dahlia Breeding with Josie Lewis - Episode 124Behind every Dahlia’s watercolour beauty is a mind-boggling scientific world of floral possibility - who better to share the joys of Dahlia breeding than our very own Josie Lewis.This week we break down the biology behind the beauty, how to germinate your own seeds, and breeding for the perfect Dahlia with stunning colour and fantastic vase life.In this episode, discover:The startling science behind these beautiful plants, like their numerous chromosomes and fascinating transposonsHow to use the expert knowledge on Dahlia breeding to germinate your own special seedsWhat to look for in...2023-06-1522 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friends12 Tough Flowers to Thrive in Shade-Laden Gardens with Josie Lewis - Episode 116Not every garden is bathed in sunlight at all hours of the day, so finding shade-loving flowers is a must for anyone looking to illuminate their shaded areas with a splash of colour.Josie Lewis returns once again to the podcast, this week sharing her love of flowers and ferns that thrive with little light, from the cool, composed beauty of Frosted Ferns to the must-have Sarcococca.In this episode, discover:The likes of Nicotiana Sylvestris and Grandiflora, fragrant providers of joy throughout the dayJosie’s favourite ferns, like the Frosted Fern and the Sh...2023-04-2020 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsGrow Healthier Gardens by Companion Planting with Josie Lewis - Episode 106There’s nothing quite like finding a perfect companion, and in the plant world, companion planting could be the difference between aphid-affliction and the healthiest horticulture.Our Head Gardener at Perch Hill, Josie Lewis, joins Sarah once again on the podcast to share the essential flowers to underplant for thriving Roses, a garden full of pollinators, and wonderful performing Tomatoes.In this episode, discover:Which of the Salvias are perfect for keeping Roses looking their Sunday bestHow the likes of Tagetes Minuta and Burning Embers are ideal to combat Whitefly issues in your greenhouseThe be...2023-02-0930 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThe 12 Best Roses with Josie Lewis - Episode 98Whether your idea of the perfect Rose is a prolific climber like Scent from Heaven, or a compact burst of colour like Josie Lewis’ favourite Hot Chocolate, no garden is complete without a Rose.This week on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ signals the start of a new format highlighting the floral flag bearers of each family, starting with Sarah & Josie’s top Roses, and a number of upcoming standouts from our recent trials.In this episode, discover:Exciting new discoveries from the latest rose trials at Perch HillThe most prolific roses for picking and vase lif...2022-12-1532 min
Tales From The Potting BenchJosie Lewis - Inside Sarah Raven's 'Perch Hill'!Episode 2: Josie Lewis - Inside Sarah Raven's 'Perch Hill'!
In this episode I spoke to Head Gardener of Sarah’ Raven’s Cutting Garden at Perch Hill, Josie Lewis. Josie talked about plant trials for upcoming catalogues and her love of Dahlias and Roses. This is a really fascinating insight into the ins and outs of a working trials garden, especially one that we've all come to love!
💜 This season is sponsored by the wonderful people at Plant Grow, producers of award winning organic fertilisers made with zero chemicals. Great For your garden and even greater for the planet 💜
You can follow me on I...2022-10-0321 min
grow, cook, eat, arrange with Sarah Raven & friendsThe Wonderful World of Roses with Perch Hill’s Head Gardener, Josie Lewis - Episode 58Josie Lewis is a thread of continuum at Perch Hill, frequently referenced on the podcast, so it’s high time that she finally joins Sarah on ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’ to share her love of Roses.Whether you’re looking for a variety with a particular colour to combine with the beauty of your existing garden, or you’re more pressed by scent and structure, we hear which are the absolute best Roses to grow, and how best to tend to them for healthy, reliable growth.In this episode, discover:Which varieties of Roses are the st...2022-03-1031 min