episode 194 | show notes & advice
episode description
In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Sarah is joined by celebrity hair stylist and keen gardener Sam McKnight MBE. Sam shares with Sarah his passion for gardening and how he indulges the solitude of the garden, as well as his fabulous career journey.
Sam McKnight MBE is one of the most influential and celebrated hair stylists in the world today. His ethos ‘to empower women through hair’ has attracted an unparalleled list of collaborators from Vogue and Chanel to Princess Diana and Kate Moss.
In this episode, discover
- The origins of Sam’s staggering life in hairdressing and fashion
- Charming stories from the 7 years that Sam worked with Princess Diana
- Sam’s relatively recent love of gardening, and which flowers are among the most inspiring that he grows
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 194 advice sheet
Sam’s life as a hairdresser (1:30)
Before his iconic career, Sam talks us through a childhood spent in a coal mining village in Scotland - he describes ‘an idyllic childhood in the countryside’. Sam fell into the profession after helping out at a friend’s salon, and from there took off to London to work with illustrious names like Miss Selfridge, Elizabeth Arden and Molton Brown.
How Sam started his 7 years working with Princess Diana (10:35)
In 1990 Sam was asked to join a photoshoot with British Vogue, unaware at the time who he would be styling, so when it turned out that he’d be styling Princess Diana he was struck by her disarming warmth and charm. After the shoot, Diana and Sam ended up working together closely for the next 7 years, travelling far and wide for trips and working on charity initiatives.
The newfound appeal of gardening (15:40)
Sam’s desire to start gardening is rooted in years living within a flat in Maida Vale. He recently wanted to have his own garden, which he now owns at his new place in North London.
In the 13 years he’s been gardening, he’s become addicted to every aspect of it, from sowing to pruning and everything in between. While he has assistance in keeping it while he’s away, it’s the solitary ‘me-time’ of it that provides such catharsis.
Sam’s top ornamental flowers (24:20)
Sam’s absolute favourite flowers are a close competition between roses and dahlias. Munstead Wood is a standout rose for him, an incredible variety alongside the likes of Generous Gardener and Lady of Shallot. With dahlias, Sam loves the big dinner plate varieties, like Cafe au Lait and Cafe au Lait Royal.
Beyond roses and dahlias, Sam mentions his love of other flowers like lupins, though he's struggled to keep them thriving in his garden. He also enjoys hardy geraniums, particularly the pink varieties, as well as calamities and alliums, including some of the later-blooming allium varieties.