Today I'm going old school blogger and giving away 2 copies of Sarah Raven's new book A Year Full of Pots. All you have to do is comment for a chance to win.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED - But I still highly recommend this book.
I started following gardener Sarah Raven on YouTube a couple of years ago. She lives in a rambling old house on a rambling old property in Sussex, England called Perch Hill.
The property is filled with beautiful, beautiful gardens smashed full of flowers and vegetables. It's an orderly mix of chaos with everything being beautiful and inspiring, but in that charming, relaxed British way.
So when the publisher offered to send me a copy of Sarah's latest book a few weeks ago I replied with an enthusiastic Yes - but could I also give some copies away? And could you also arrange for Sarah and I to become friends who visit each other's houses?
The publisher said absolutely, so here we are. Except about the house part.
Me with my own copy of Sarah's book and two to give away to you.
My first impression of the book was, holy crap, there are a lot of words. So many words.
Sure you can flip through it and see a ton of pretty picture examples, but there's also a ton of useful, practical information to back up all that beauty.
I would venture to say that anything you wanted or needed to know about planting in pots is in this book.
I'm a gardener as you know, but each area of gardening is a bit different and pots are one of those different things for me. Other than a couple here and there to grow my sweet potatoes, I just don't have a lot of experience with planting in them.
You can see a couple of my lackluster examples below.
I could use some help with my pots. I LOVE big huge pots filled with stuff but I've never made the effort to do some nice ones. Thanks to Sarah Raven I'll be adding pots this year to my ever evolving 6 year old English Cottage garden.
I'd also love to try a couple in my allotment garden with something more interesting than my normal clumps of sweet potatoes.
This photo has nothing to do with pots, but I never miss a chance to promote the idea of a Rutabaga Pride Day. Let's say September 30th?
My Potting Plan
Get Pots
Seems like a good starting place right???
I love old clay pots for planting. They have patina and character, plus if you only use clay pots, everything will always look good in a grouping because the pots will all match. (not that they have to, but with different plants in them I'll prefer having the pot material be consistent)
I'll scour local Facebook Marketplace sales and Buy Nothing Facebook sites looking for them.
Pick Spots for Pots
This is important because once huge pots are filled with soil they're going to be hard to move.
Pick my Plants
- I want to specifically do a mix from the book that includes a huge pot with "Apricotta" cosmos, "Kelsey Annie Joy" dahlia & Amaranth.
- Instructions for making Sweet Pea supports out of willow or other bendy branches are in the book so growing sweet peas in pots is now also on my list.
- Breaking away from Sarah Raven's theme of flowers in pots, I'll be doing vegetables (tomato in centre, Mascotte green beans and basil using any techniques I might pick up in the book.
I'll also do a couple of full pots massed with beets and carrots just to see what happens and stick them in the backyard somewhere.
What I'd *really* love to do is go to Sarah's Perch Hill to take a
So who's ready to win a copy of Sarah Raven's book A Year Full of Pots? Just leave a comment below saying you'd like to win and if you're feeling chatty explain why you'd like to win.
The two winners will be chosen randomly on April 26th. so don't feel pressured into a lengthy "why you'd like to win". I'm just curious.
Winners will be announced next week at this time.
The contest is now closed
Rosemary Atherton
I need some help with my gardening, as most things never come up after planting
Deirdre Baldock
I like anything to do with gardening and always want to hear other people's ideas.
Lauren Schafer
oh my goodness I saw some of her gardens when visiting the UK and she was such a delight and inspiration. I also struggle with pots. I mean, I killed mint last year. But my downfall is ALSO terracotta and, well, plants need water I have heard.
Neil Gent
I would love to win if only to yearn for the organised chaos - at the mnute I don't feel that the garden or pots are vaguely orgainsed - but hey ho
Rita Edwards
This book would suit my Measure of Pleasure
Jenny Rogers
A friend recommended Sarah's website and products, so I would love to see her book.
Laura Whittle
Would love to win, currently trying to revamp my patio area so this would definitely come in handy.
Rebecca F
I’ve got a paved garden area so can only plant things in pots so this book would be really useful for me.
Diane Kane
Old pots is what I have.
New ideas is what I need.
‘How to do it better in pots’ is what I would love!
Mirja Watts
We just moved and need inspiration for our new garden
Maya Russell
Sometimes I think pot gardening would be easier. I like easier. Would love to read the book.
Toby H
I'd like to win :)
Jo-Ann Pieber
Want. Need. I only have a wee deck. Bigger than the standard balcony but Have to garden in containers. Have lost Lots of plants - but also strangely succeeded with others. Mostly things I grow from seed or cutting do well vs. bought material. Then there's Mama Hydrangea - a some 10 years old who birthed 2 sons (as I think of them. maybe because I have 2 boys). They're hydrangea paniculata 'pinky winky' (ug) but Fabulous and HardyHearty!
John Moore
I need ideas and this is a good place to start...
Ishrt
I have a huge garden but no time or energy if I start small with pots it might give me the push for a bigger commitment to the garden.
Summer
I would love to win a copy of this book! My best friend and I just got some really nice, big matching pots that we want to plant yearly for each other. I also do mostly pots around my property because I live in the PNW and there are so many pine trees and maples on my property that the only places that really receive a good dose of sun is on my back deck. I look forward to planting them every year, but am looking for ways to improve and also to expand my planting into more than just the summer months.
Stefan Pinches
id love to win so we can start making the garden look nice once again
troy easton
i would like to win this so I can use this for my sunflowers.
Kaitlin J
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book- looks lovely! I'd also like to learn more about growing beautiful things (that remain happy) planted in pots.
Ben Thompson
I want to win because I am helping my Mum fix up her garden and this would be immensely useful to her, and me! She has wanted to improve her garden and planting for years, but hasn't really known where to start, so this would be a fantastic tool to help make that dream come true!