Monday 1 September 2014

Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal

I was delighted when I was asked if I'd like to review Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal which has been published by Frances Lincoln, ( www.franceslincoln.com , @Frances_Lincoln ), and is due to be released on the 4th of September. I'm even more delighted that I'm able to give one of you the chance to win a copy for yourself and for those of you who aren't lucky enough to win, there's also a reader offer so that you can buy the book at a discounted price.


This book is a journal format of Sarah Raven's first ever book, The Cutting Garden, which was published nearly twenty years ago. The help and advice it contains is as relevant now as it was then. It's split in to months and each month is divided up in to various sections.

There are flowers suggested for each month and I like that as well as giving information on how best to grow each particular plant, certain varieties which are good for cutting are recommended.


Jobs are split up month by month so that you know what you should be getting on with, and there's space to jot down any notes you want to make.


I'm rubbish when it comes to flower arranging so the project of the month section is great for me. It tells you the equipment and plants you'll need and also the method to get a stunning arrangement. These aren't just vase displays but also such things as a winter medallion or a corn sheaf, so something a little different too.


As you'd expect, the book contains lots of other useful and interesting information such as the planning of the garden, cultivating plants, growing shrubs, trees and year round foliage and growing in a mixed garden if you don't have room for a separate area to devote to cut flowers.


There's even advice on choosing the right vase. I can see how the look of an arrangement can change according to what it's placed in.


I think this is a great book if you're thinking of growing flowers for cutting. I shall be reading through it and making notes ready for the start of the next growing season.


The publishers are offering a copy of this book as a giveaway prize, so if you'd like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal, just leave a comment on this post by twelve noon on Thursday the 11th of September 2014. A name will be drawn at random soon after. Please note that this giveaway is open to UK/EU only and that I will be passing on the winner's name and address details to the publishing company in order for them to send out your prize.

If you're not lucky enough to win, you could always treat yourself to a copy as the publishers are offering Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal at a discounted price.

To order Sarah Raven's Cutting Garden Journal at the discounted price of £11.99 including p&p* (RRP: £14.99), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG200. 

*UK ONLY - Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.
 

47 comments:

  1. Hi

    I would love to enter this giveaway. If I won I would give this book to my mum who has been poorly.

    Donnax

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    Replies
    1. I've popped your name in the hat. I'm sorry to hear that your mum's been poorly, I hope she's on the road to recovery soon.

      Delete
  2. I would love to win a copy of Sarah Raven's book!!

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  3. Hi Jo,
    I would like to take part in your prize draw. I follow your blog for a while and I really enjoy it.
    Kate Samways

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's nice to know that you enjoy my blog. I've popped your name in the hat.

      Delete
  4. What a coincidence as you know Sarah Raven is providing one of my giveaways.

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    Replies
    1. I know, I thought about that. She sells some beautiful plants and bulbs so she really does know what she's talking about.

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  5. There's lots of interesting information in the book.

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  6. What a coincidence as you know Sarah Raven is providing one of my giveaways and I am writing a guest post for their blog.

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    Replies
    1. Oooh, do let us know when it's published, I shall look forward to reading it.

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  7. Great book...........I am a fan of Sarah Raven.
    I have her book on wildflowers, also one of her cook books............looks like I will be buying another one :)

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    Replies
    1. I'm always tempted by a good book, it's a bit of a weakness, though when you consider how much magazines cost these days, books are very good value.

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. It's a lovely book. I've popped your name in the hat.

      Delete
  9. A good post about what looks, and sounds, to be an excellent book. I guess that it will be on many flower grower's Xmas presents list.
    Please don't enter me in the giveaway prize draw.
    Flighty xx

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    Replies
    1. Sarah Raven is a respected name in gardening, especially when it comes to flowers, so I'm sure you're right.

      Delete
  10. I have actually got that first book of Sarah Ravens, as I've always had an interest in flower arranging. I was a mad Constance Spry fan as a teenager, believe it or not. I've way to many books, but am still a sucker for gardening books if they take my fancy. Better not enter me in the draw. I sometimes forget to keep up with this blog of yours, but should try more often and not forget. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm exactly the same, I love both gardening and craft books. The giveaway is open to commenters both old and new so there's no need to feel guilty about forgetting to look at my posts.

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  11. Hi Jo I'd love to win this book - I read her husbands book about Perch Hill earlier this year and it inspired me turn some our veg plot into a cutting garden!

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    Replies
    1. I shall have to look out for that book, I bet it's interesting. I've been saying that I'll start a cutting patch at the allotment for as long as I can remember but it hasn't yet happened, perhaps this book will be the inspiration I need.

      Delete
  12. I need all the help I can get with flower arranging, usually they sit in the vase and laugh at me!

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    Replies
    1. Me too. I'm not very creative when it comes to displaying flowers so this book should definitely help.

      Delete
  13. I'm sure that this new book would be an excellent source of information about growing and using cut flowers. Please don't enter me for the draw Jo as I already have copies of her books 'The Cutting Garden' and 'Grow Your Own Cut Flowers' :)

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    Replies
    1. It certainly contains lots of information, I shall be pouring over it when the nights draw in so that I'm all ready to give it a go next year.

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  14. I am new to your blog, and like you i love gardening and craft books so if you would be so kind could you please enter me for your give away . Thank you.......xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's nice to have some new readers on board. I've popped your name in the hat.

      Delete
  15. It sounds like a wonderful book Jo. Please don't enter me as I have won other giveaways so I would prefer that someone else have the chance to win. xx

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    Replies
    1. It's a great book, perfect for anyone considering starting their own cutting garden.

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  16. The book is absolutely beautiful xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a really lovely book, I'm sure it will be very useful.

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  17. Hi Jo - guess what? You won my giveaway! Please email me to tell me your address and I will arrange delivery this week. Just in time for clearing your allotment when your hands will need extra TLC!

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    Replies
    1. Fantastic, I'm so excited, thank you very much. I shall drop you an email.

      Delete
  18. great giveaway please add me too! Amanda

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    Replies
    1. It's a lovely book. I've added your name to the hat.

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  19. forgot to say I've added to my blogs side bar x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, I've put your name in twice. Good luck.

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  20. I do like Sarah Raven and I haven't any of her books. Maybe I'll be lucky!

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    Replies
    1. This is my first Sarah Raven book too so I was really pleased to review it. Good luck.

      Delete
  21. Now that does sound like a smashin' read, pop me in the draw!xxx

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    Replies
    1. It's a wonderful read. I've popped your name in the hat.

      Delete
  22. Excellent review, Jo. I can't enter the give away, but I think I must treat myself to this one. P. x

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    Replies
    1. It's a lovely book, and Sarah Raven is such a respected gardener that you just know it's going to be a good read.

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  23. Hi Jo
    I would love to win the book, the photography looks beautiful.

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    Replies
    1. The book is beautifully illustrated. I've popped your name in the hat. Good luck.

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  24. Sounds a lovely book. I live quite near to Sarah Raven. I would love to win the book.

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    Replies
    1. It's a lovely book. I'd love to live close enough to visit Perch Hill. I've popped your name in the hat.

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