Deep Dive
Why did Sarah Raven start her seed business from the kitchen table?
Sarah started her seed business from the kitchen table while on maternity leave from her medical training. She experimented with growing cut flowers and seeds, which led to a book commission and eventually the growth of her business into a multi-million pound company.
Why did Sarah Raven's first garden at Chelsea Flower Show receive a bad medal?
Sarah's first garden at Chelsea Flower Show received a bad medal because the RHS disliked the combination of bright turquoise meconopsis next to orange geums. This color combination was too bold for the conservative garden design world at the time.
Why is biodiversity important to Sarah Raven's garden at Perch Hill Farm?
Biodiversity is important to Sarah because she believes that gardens can contribute significantly to increasing biodiversity. She emphasizes that there are more gardens than nature reserves and that gardeners have the power to create positive environmental impacts by gardening responsibly.
Why did Sarah Raven choose 'Rocket Man' by Elton John as one of her Desert Island Discs?
Sarah chose 'Rocket Man' by Elton John because it brings back happy memories of her family holidays in Crete. Her son-in-law, Liam, sang this song over the valley during a village festival, creating a joyful and memorable moment.
Why does Sarah Raven often go out into her garden in her nightie?
Sarah often goes out into her garden in her nightie early in the morning to pick flowers, make notes, take photos, and connect with nature. This routine helps her feel the weather, the seasons, and the natural environment.
Why did Sarah Raven choose 'Spring' from Max Richter's recomposed version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons as her final Desert Island Disc?
Sarah chose 'Spring' because it brings together her memories of her father, her family, and her garden at Perch Hill. The music reminds her of her father's love for Vivaldi and the joy it brought him.
Why did Sarah Raven's father's health issues have a significant impact on her life?
Sarah's father's health issues, including emphysema and a duodenal ulcer, made him very frail and emotionally stabilizing for the family. His death when Sarah was 17 was a significant loss, and it influenced her decision to leave home and seek emotional support from friends and her twin sister.
Why did Sarah Raven choose 'The Flowers of Crete' as her book to take to the desert island?
Sarah chose 'The Flowers of Crete' because it is a massive tome with beautiful photographs that capture the majesty of Crete. It allows her to imagine herself in Crete and provides a distraction when she feels sad.
Why did Sarah Raven choose linen sheets and a hot water bottle as her luxury items for the desert island?
Sarah chose linen sheets and a hot water bottle because she is a home bird and finds comfort in these items. The linen sheets remind her of home, and the hot water bottle provides a warm presence, which helps her sleep better, especially in cold conditions.
Why did Sarah Raven choose 'September' by Earth, Wind and Fire as the track she would rush to save from the waves?
Sarah chose 'September' because it makes her feel joyful and transports her away from loneliness and sadness. The song is a source of happiness and a reminder of good times with her family and friends.
- Early exposure to botany from her father.
- Mother's influence on flower arranging.
- Family trips focused on botanizing.
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