episode 188 | show notes & advice
episode description
With the changing of seasons brings an exciting new catalogue from which to draw inspiration for the year ahead.
In this episode full of possibilities, Arthur joins Sarah to peruse the latest and greatest from the Sarah Raven Autumn catalogue, shining a spotlight on the great performers and showstoppers to sow now, ready to breathe life into the garden next spring.
In this episode, discover
- Bold and perennial tulips like the almost-fluorescent ‘Queensday’
- What makes narcissi the sustainable bulb of the future, and standout varieties like ‘My Story’
- Tips for growing ranunculus, with a spotlight on bold varieties like the burgundy ‘Elegance Viola’
- Why we keep coming back to beloved favourite evergreen climbers like Trachelospermum jasminoides
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 188 advice sheet
Tulips and narcissi (3:30)
Among Arthur’s first picks to plant ready for next season is the spectacular Tulip ‘Queensday’, whose bold appearance isn’t its only appeal - it’s also extremely perennial, as we’ve seen in the Oast Garden.
We highlight the Bedside Table Collection of narcissi, with its standout variety being ‘My Story’. Not only are they gorgeous bulbs, but Sarah lauds them as the ‘sustainable bulb of the future’, given their perenniality, ability to grow in anything, and rewarding versatility.
Alliums and crocuses (13:20)
The alliums are always an eccentric and showy addition to the garden with an unmistakable silhouette, and among the lovely varieties in the Autumn range we have a new one called ‘Arctic Snow’. Its flower globes are like 30cm wide fireworks that’ll stop you in your tracks.
Another stunning bulb to start a succession is Crocus ‘Orange Monarch’ which, in Arthur’s terms, sports a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean-esque Aztec gold appearance’, earning a worthy spot among the Autumn range’s highlights.
Ranunculus, and growing tips for them (21:45)
Ranunculus are a luxurious must-grow for anyone dreaming of growing their own cut flowers, and their brilliant vase life makes them a floristry favourite.
For all the varieties worthy of mention, Sarah shares some fantastic tips to treat ranunculus, particularly if a cold or wet snap of weather is forecast given their natural climate.
Essential perennials, roses and edibles (26:10)
Finishing up the episode, Sarah and Arthur touch on some must-have perennials like the deep purple and green Helleborus purpurascens 'Atrorubens', and reliable old favourite climber Trachelospermum jasminoides.
The gorgeous ‘Mutabilis’ is a China rose which Arthur feels ticks all the boxes; reliable, healthy, productive and great for cutting, it’s everything one might want in a rose.
