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General => The Shed => Topic started by: Dan 2 on January 17, 2006, 20:13:14

Title: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 17, 2006, 20:13:14: I have got all the seeds (I think) I need and wanted to buy two more aprticular things so was searching around and thought I would use her seed catalogue. It cost me £8.35 for just three packets of seed! Its not that much money but for just three oacks of seeds its ridiculous. She also sells cappilary matting for £7.00 a metre, its about £2 at the G. Centre! I've nothing agaianst her but why oh why does she charge risiculous prices!!!!! ??? ??? ??? All the best, Dan
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 17, 2006, 20:15:11: Sorry about spelling, was typing rather fast! Anyway, rant over, hope you didn't mind me getting that off my chest!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: GREENWIZARD on January 17, 2006, 20:43:16: :o :o :o
i think she's laughing all the way to the bank >:( >:(
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Doris_Pinks on January 17, 2006, 22:13:16: Her place is near to me, one of those oh I must go there one day.
I get her catalogues frequently and they always make for an amusing read........especially the prices charged for the food courses! :o :o :o :o
Good catalogues though, nice to browse through and think oh I can get that elsewhere at half the price, have you seen the house she oives in.........think the seeds etc. must be paying for that! hmmmm now that's where I am going wrong! ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Tulipa on January 17, 2006, 22:31:46: I love the dark red flowers she has so the catalogue is useful for ideas as you say Doris, but I wouldn't pay her prices. She has some wire baskets which I have one bought on a market in France at a fraction of the price.
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 07:36:18: I love her products and have visited the garden on one of her open days, its just the prices she charges!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Heldi on January 18, 2006, 11:11:19: Does she charge for the catalogue? I'm curious now!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: robkb on January 18, 2006, 11:20:21: Not for the catalogue, but when I went to one of her open days last year I did wonder if my order had subsidised her glasshouse...

Cheers,
Rob ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Ceratonia on January 18, 2006, 12:07:32: Her husband (Adam Nicolson) is a writer and farmer and also grandson of of Vita Sackville-West - I think he's still something to do with Sissinghurst. So presumably they were reasonably well off to start with. She was a doctor and only took up the gardening when the local hospital wouldn't let her go part-time when she had kids.

Catalogue has got some nice ideas in it. If you think the prices of seeds are bad, look at how much she charges for things like dahlias or plug plants.
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: robkb on January 18, 2006, 12:14:06: Mind you, I do think she knows her market well - at the open day last year I felt a bit like the 'poor relative' - every one else seemed remarkably well-heeled... or parhaps that's just my inferiority complex... :'(

Cheers,
Rob ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: dandelion on January 18, 2006, 12:23:09: She also sells little coloured vases etc. £8.50 each :o! You could probably get similar ones at Ikea for less than a pound. I think some people are prepared to pay extra for the 'image' they are buying into. Sarah Raven has already made the 'selection' for them so they know they're buying stuff that's fashionable. As for the courses she runs, maybe some people just have too much money!

I think her books are good though, especially 'Grow your own cut flowers'.
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 17:16:06: When I went to her open day last year I didn't buy much, some plant labels and seeds...oh...and a drink ;D! I was parked by a Bentley!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Reading Street Rd. on January 18, 2006, 17:43:51: I went to her very first open day a few years ago. I was disappointed at the size of her garden, I expected something bigger.

I must say I did buy a few packets of seeds, expensive as they were BUT I save the annuals seed every year and have had them ever since. The perennials have multiplied and also been shared. I get so many seedling and supply all friends, family and gardening clubs. They were all excellent seed and value for money at the time; but her prices have gone out of my price range now.

If people don't buy, perhaps she will get the message. The prices she charges for a day course, I can get a cheap weekend break for.
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 17:48:21: Heldi the catalogue is free - for the time being!!! It's worth a read of her website too, if you have a spare moment and need a laugh!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 19:03:22: You don't like Sarah much do you Plocket?! ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 19:04:22: PML! Now where do you get that idea from Dan? ? ? ? !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 19:06:20: Go on Heldi - get yourself some light reading: http://www.thecuttinggarden.com/html/catalogue_order.asp
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 20:10:08: I know Im a bit stupid sometimes but what's PML? ???
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 20:16:11: Pi**ing myself laughing!

Px
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 20:16:59: ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 20:22:37: ROTFL!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 20:42:34: What??? ??? ;D please explain before I get scared... ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 20:45:05: PML! Why get scared?

Rolling on the floor laughing!!!

You know I had to do it!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 20:47:28: ;D ;D ;D Was only joking Plocket- wasn't really scared, just...um..scared! lol! ;D ::)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 20:51:59: Oh I'm not scary! Well not normally anyway!!! And I had to ask about PML, ROTFL, COMC etc too once upon a time!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 20:53:44: I didn't think you were scary Plocket, DON'T PANIC! ;DDan :-)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 20:56:42: Phew! But you still seem to be quivering in your boots!
Quote from: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 20:53:44
;DDan :-)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:05:23: A simple spelling mistake, I'm fine... was being sarcastic! 8)

Don't panic...Don't panic...Plocket's NOT scary!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:05:59: Plockets NOT scary!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:08:39: He he he! I hope they believe you!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:10:07: Don't worry, they will! I will swear to it!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:12:03: Mwah!

Chuckling away here!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:17:17: All this form asking what PML was!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol! ;D ;D Plocket your a laugh!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:20:05: And there was me thinking it was you!!! AND you've learned PML, ROTFL - but not COMC!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:24:04: Here we go again!!!! Whats COMC? You don't know PYAL though do you? p.s.- I've answered your query on the beeb messageboards, Dan :-)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:26:39: Done the Beeb!

Choking on my coffee!!!!!

Nope - what's PYAL? Or don't I want to know!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:28:21: You don't want to know... ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:30:27: Well I do now you've said that!!!!! Tell me - PLEEEEEEEESE!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:31:54: It ABSOLUTELY awful!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:33:02: ...um... Plocket You're A laugh ?!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:34:05: You are right - that's AWFUL!

And I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO slow!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:35:06: Its the best I could think of in the space of time and you are SLOOWWWW!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:36:05: Really PMLing here now!!!!! Stop it!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:38:23: PYAL.........PYAL.........PYAL.......... ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:39:51: Grrrrrrr! (I'm trying to be scary!)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:41:37: PYAL.......PYAL........PYAl....... ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:42:13: Well, now we know who the two loonies are on the boards! ;D ::)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:42:59: Who? Who?

(Now I sound like an owl! That's it! I'm signing off!)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:48:41: I'll join you, see you round, nice havin' a laugh ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 18, 2006, 21:50:44: TTFN!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 18, 2006, 21:52:02: TTFN!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: GREENWIZARD on January 19, 2006, 09:14:09: seem to remember reading somewhere P about how much you really like SR (http://bestsmileys.com/wink/2.gif)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 09:18:36: Can't say I remember that myself GW - find it and quote me!!!!! (Now there's a challenge for you!)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 19, 2006, 09:33:02: Plockets her biggest fan, arn't you Plocket?! ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 09:34:03: If you say so Dan!!!!! ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 19, 2006, 09:39:33: He He he... ;D

p.s.-only Joking Plocket!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: GREENWIZARD on January 19, 2006, 09:40:17: i was only joking P...... honest
i'm scared too now D2 (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/GREENWIZARD/5.gif)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 19, 2006, 09:41:24: ;D You're never 'gonna live this down now Plocket! Anyway, gotta go, now, see ya later!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 09:43:52: Live down that I'm scary? ;)

Oh well - enjoy your shopping - if the rain holds off I'm (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v286/plocket/Smilies/Washing_Smilie.gif)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: GREENWIZARD on January 19, 2006, 11:22:47: i'm sorry if i have upset you P(http://bestsmileys.com/crying/5.gif)
let me make it up to you
how about some volga linen (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/GREENWIZARD/LINEN.jpg)~£319.00 & nightie (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/GREENWIZARD/NIGHTSHI.jpg)~£78.00 a bargain really ::)
so you can snuggle up after a hard days gardening & dream happy clematis dreams (http://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/2.gif)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 11:54:18: What's volga linen when it's at home? More like vulgar at that price!!!!! I'll stick with my nice fresh cotton sheets ta very much!

Of course you haven't upset me - it was the prospect of having to do laundry! He he he!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: GREENWIZARD on January 19, 2006, 13:25:09: phew !!!! ;D
just one of the bargains you can buy from sarah
here's the sales pitch

Quote
Volga linen duvet set
37 00 03

I went away for the weekend to a lovely hotel which uses this linen on all the beds. It is expensive, but utterly beautiful and luxurious to sleep on. I’m hoping my husband will give me this for Christmas! The set includes a king size hem stitch duvet cover (230cm x 220cm 91in x 87in), two rectangular pillowcases (50cm x 75cm 20in x 30in) £319.00 including p & p

£319.00
'vulgar linen' is more apt
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 14:10:40: Oh it all makes sense now! Trust her to sleep on vulgar sheets!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Heldi on January 19, 2006, 16:25:53: Erm....what does COMC stand for P ? !
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Doris_Pinks on January 19, 2006, 18:52:08: Bet them sheets are a BU**ER to Iron too!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 19:13:47: Quote from: Heldi on January 19, 2006, 16:25:53
Erm....what does COMC stand for P ? !

Choking on my coffee - or cornflakes - or whatever!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 19, 2006, 19:14:27: Quote from: Doris_Pinks on January 19, 2006, 18:52:08
Bet them sheets are a BU**ER to Iron too!

Don't you swear at me - the "I" word isn't allowed in our house!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 19, 2006, 20:56:36: Was only joking Plocket about scariness! See ya round...Dan :-)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Heldi on January 19, 2006, 21:22:05: That "I" word is a Bu**ER by itself. Ones "I" is sitting over yonder gesticulating at me right now so I gesticulated right back.
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Doris_Pinks on January 19, 2006, 23:07:55: Not used in this house either, have to say I go for the stretch n make do look! ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 08:36:14: Drip dry shirts for OH.

And you lot owe me an appology: I had a NIGHTMARE last night - about ironing! Today I'm a quivering wreck!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Heldi on January 20, 2006, 11:44:31: Soz P. Now get back to the sink!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 15:58:48: Keep IRONING! ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:03:12: After my moaning and complaining, my seeds form Sarah FINALLY arived today. I have to say I was...

....very pleased with them! :o :o
They came with two sheets on growing sweetpeas which was very handy and also four A4 sheets on Annuals and everything to do with them. I was reaaly pleased as was not expecting the extra info and also have never had it wiht seeds before. So all in all, nice but expensive Sarah and am still a big fan! ;) Dan :-)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:05:12: Ah but did you order enough seeds to get a free packet? And did you have to pay postage?
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:12:01: Afraid I did not order £20 pounds worth (10 packs) to get a free pack (randomely chosen). Postage was £2.35 or was it £2.50, something of those two! ;D
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:18:55: Is she tight or what????? Take Dobies for example - a free packet of seeds just when you order the free catalogue, and free delivery for any number of packets of seeds. I don't work for them btw!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:28:04: Wow thats good, I've never used them before, are they good?
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:31:52: I think they are pretty good. Just send off their catalogue and see what they have to offer - you won't regret it!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:32:46: I guess posting a link would be useful!!!!!

www.dobies.co.uk
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:34:48: Thanks Plocket, BTW, if you ever have £125 to spend then this is for YOU!

By the sound and also th epictures of your garden, you certainly have a bold and brilliant garden, join the course and show them how its done... :D

'The bold and brilliant garden with Sarah Raven'

Available Dates
Tuesday 14 March 2006

Price: £125.00

When I was planning the oast garden at Perch Hill I had a specific idea in mind. I wanted to make a garden that was brave and stimulating, with the colours of Howard Hodgkin, the scale of Henri Rousseau, the textures of Titan and the scent of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. I wanted a bold and brilliant garden. This course will teach you how to do it. I will go through each stage of the gardening year, suggesting the plants to use and concentrating on jobs to do. I’ll talk about the seeds you need to sow and the bulbs to plant so that you can create your own luscious bold and brilliant garden.

A One-day course
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:35:10: Thanks!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:39:42: PML! I never seem to have a spare £25 let alone a spare £125!!!!! Thank you for your lovely comments but you know full well I'd never send a single penny in that woman's direction!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:44:40: Um...I do now! ;D I suppose I like her style on Gardeners World which means that I am slightly biased, I completely understand your comments though and agree with them. Don't get me wrong about the price, I am most deffinately not in the possition to go on one of her courses either! Not for a LONG, LONG time! I can always start saving... ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:47:10: Hunnie you sound like a kid saving pocket money - save it for something better!!! I fully respect the fact that you like Ms Raven - wanna laugh though? It really bugs me when people slag off her dress sense - I like what she wears, some of the time!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 16:49:35: ...Stopped saving. I think her dress sense is quite good personally, probably expensive though, hence, £2.00 a packet of seeds...
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 16:56:59: PML again! So you are financing her extravagant wardrobe!!!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 17:02:21: Aaghh! The veil is lifted form my eye! So everyone can now blame me for her clothes! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Heeeeeeelp me!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 17:04:04: I wouldn't worry - most of the anti-Sarah's-clothes brigade seem to be on the Beeb!

Is your PM facility up and running btw? Mine isn't.
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 17:05:58: Mine arn't either Plocket, i wouldn't worry. I think if you ask Dan then he can put the facility on for you. Dan :-)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 17:11:52: No point if people can't reply!!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 17:14:39: Go for it, I'm trustworthy... Dan
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 17:17:51: I wasn't thinking of you !!!!!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 17:19:23: Ooops! I might have been a bit quick to edit then!!! Let me know Dan!
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 17:19:57: Why not post it now...
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Plocket on January 20, 2006, 17:21:28: ;)
Title: Re: sarah Raven and extreme prices!
Post by: Dan 2 on January 20, 2006, 17:22:38: Got it! Thanks Plocket! Will send you an email to test, then you will have mine. Ok, Dan