episode 173 | show notes & advice
episode description
This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been an extraordinary display of floral beauty, and it’s been a pleasure for our hut to have been a part of the show.
Fresh from the show, Sarah & Arthur take this week’s special podcast episode to bring you Chelsea’s highlights, and the months-long and years-long stories behind them.
In this episode, discover
- The joys of the Sarah Raven stand, from balancing practicality and beauty to star-studded visitors like Joanna Lumley and Mel Giedroyc
- Sarah’s pick of the sights on the main avenue, with gorgeous displays courtesy of Project Giving Back
- Standout showings from the marquee which particularly caught Arthur’s eye
links and references
Order Sarah’s new book - A Year Full of Pots
Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Flowers
Order Sarah’s book - A Year Full of Veg
Sarah Raven's Garden Cookbook | Sarah Raven
Shop on the Sarah Raven Website
Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com
Episode 173 advice sheet
Sarah & Arthur’s time at Chelsea and the Sarah Raven Stall (0:00)
This episode is recorded on the back of a delightful visit to our stall at Chelsea Flower Show, and Sarah & Arthur kick off with a proud mention for all those who brought a vision to life with a balance between practicality and beauty.
Independent nurseries and glorious gladioli (9:40)
The marquee gives you the lovely chance to meet some of the independent nurseries who really evidently love what they’re growing and displaying - it’s one of the aspects of this year’s show that Arthur has really indulged in.
On the main avenue, where the big budgets are so wonderfully on display, Sarah celebrates the fact that six of the seven biggest gardens are being funded by Project Giving Back, supporting gardens for fantastic causes.
Stunning arrangements in the marquee and Octavia Hill’s incredible garden (20:10)
Some of the arrangements in the marquee are truly captivating and stay with you a while, and one that Arthur recalls used the ‘bizarrely out of fashion’ honeysuckle in a lovely trio of arrangements.
Meanwhile, Octavia Hill’s garden was one of many that captured Sarah’s eye, with some bold colour choices with dark and rich flowers taking centre stage.
Pond plant representation and charity gardens with impact (30:35)
Arthur shares his delight in the presence of Lincolnshire Pond Plants in the marquee, who showcased some beautiful marginal and submerged aquatic plants - with a nod to the difficulty in putting on such wonderful displays with water.
Charitable causes gave us some of the most extraordinary gardens, as Sarah makes particular mention of the National Autistic Society and Stroke Association for the boldness to be found in their displays.
