As autumn folds itself around the garden, Grace and Becca settle in for an evening recording filled with comfort, carb-laden dreams, and tales of soil, bulbs, and books.
Grace unwraps her most-anticipated arrival of the season — Winter in the Highlands by Flora Shedden — a feast of photography, venison, and Scottish charm.
The conversation meanders through bones and broth, squash and stews, and the gentle rituals that mark the transition from abundance to rest.
Rebecca reflects on her final wedding of the year, the quiet that follows, and the strange restlessness that comes with slowing down.
Grace introduces her new digital gardening calendar — a quietly clever companion that pings timely reminders for every seasonal task, from ordering bulbs to checking compost supplies.
They discuss the satisfaction of bulb planting, the mischief of squirrels, and the wisdom of leaving soil undisturbed through winter.
There’s talk of weeds (including the dreaded field sorrel), cosmos jungles, and a fruit harvest so abundant it feels almost mythic.
Rebecca takes us to Ashburton, that irresistible Devon town of vintage jumpers, ceramic butter knives, and dangerously good shops. Expect mentions of Rafiki Café, Amelia’s, Craftmongers, and Ambrose Vevers’ scorched chopping boards.
Grace, meanwhile, lunches at Pythouse Kitchen Garden and The Newt, reflecting on the beauty of limewashed walls, maturing plantings, and restraint in garden design.
Next month’s episode will be their Christmas Gift List Special — an In, Out, Out-Out, and Wild Card edition of beautiful things to covet, make, and give.
Winter in the Highlands by Flora Shedden — available via Bookshop.org
@flora.shedden and @lauraedwardsphoto on Instagram
Ambrose Vevers – scorched wood boards and craftsmanship
Rafiki Café and Craftmongers, Ashburton
Grace’s Digital Gardening Calendar — available at gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
In the GardenOut in the WorldOut OutLooking AheadMentions and Links
In this episode of Stuart and Alexander, Rebecca of The Garden Gate Flower Company and I tumble back into conversation. A rambling catch-up of triumphs, muddles, and mud under our nails. We talk about the curse of perfection paralysis (that wretched urge to get everything exactly right before you even begin), and the bone-deep weariness of decision fatigue.
There are confessions about compost disasters, autumn sowing schemes, and our endless, glamorous-yet-muddy hunt for gardening clothes that don’t make us look like scarecrows. As ever, the chat wanders, from the dizzy joys and heartbreaks, to the way a garden can both soothe and completely overwhelm.
An honest chat over tea about the things we can’t control, in our flowerside or in ourselves, and embracing letting go.
In this episode of Stuart and Alexander, Rebecca and Grace discuss the changing seasons, from an unusually autumnal August to garden management during peak wedding season.
Rebecca shares the recent heartbreaking loss of her beloved dog, Mabel, and thanks the community for their support.
We exchange tips on organising the garden with flags and labels, and Grace teases a new project involving engraved garden labels.
Other topics include Rebecca's trip to the south of France, completing renovations, and upcoming garden events.
00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:46 Reflecting on Autumn
02:30 Remembering Mabel
09:03 Cottage Renovation Updates
19:23 Garden Challenges and Wedding Season
21:54 Labelling and New Business Ideas
28:39 Bleeping Out for Family-Friendly Content
28:50 Tulip Talk: Ordering and Growing Tips
30:41 Challenges with Tulips in Floral Work
31:46 Favourite Tulip Varieties and Planting Strategies
33:46 The Importance of Seasonal Planning
35:51 Garden Visits and Reflections
40:00 Travel Tales: South of France
49:45 Upcoming Events and Workshops
We’re back!!!
Earl Grey tea in hand, together at last, recording from the glorious Story of Emily.
In this much-awaited episode, we talk Victoriana, out-outs, reinvention and renaissance, and why we’re finally ready to bloom again.
Think teacups, textile obsessions, flowered parasols and figuring out who the hell we are, all in a rather dramatic fasion.
Join Becca & Grace talking all things festive and Christmas.
Our favourite traditions and treats indoors, how we make the most of the magical season outside, and those truly special trips away that make the Christmas spirit rise.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
The Story of Emily Christmas is open Thursdays to Sundays. If you aren’t anywhere near Cornwall, you can see Becca’s work on their Instagram here.
She sourced teasels from me and candles from Alice in Scandiland. https://shop.aliceinscandiland.com/
Paperwhites. The good news is that they are on sale everywhere. Becca recommends just buying them: https://www.scentednarcissi.co.uk
Bare root roses also available now. Becca went for Koko Loko, Honey Dijon & Juliet.
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
Walnuts Farm Georgian Townhouse
https://www.instagram.com/walnuts_farm/
Lilac Restaurant in Lyme
https://www.lilacwine.co.uk
Wild Wood - Kiln Dried Wood
https://wildwoodfuel.co.uk
South Bosent Gardens, Dobwalls Liskeard
Garden for NGS and Cornwall Wildlife Trust
https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/south-bosent-pl14/
Everhot
https://everhot.co.uk
Becca Soup Hero - Stellar Sauce Jug
https://stellar.co.uk/stellar-1000-14cm-milk-sauce-pot-1-7l.html
Rag of Colts
Bruton
https://www.ragofcolts.com
Bonfield Block Printers
https://www.bonfieldblockprinters.com
https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/gallery/restored-georgian-house
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
In:
Grace’s question for Nigel Slater is at 1.07 of the Homing In podcast (I also recommend the previous episode – Kevin McCloud has led quite a life)
Out out:
Coppafeel https://coppafeel.org
Sabzi in Cornwall You can shop online here
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what's coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
The Wool Company
https://www.thewoolcompany.co.uk
Ramster Garden
https://www.ramsterevents.com
Bodmin Nursery
http://www.bodminnursery.co.uk
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
The Garden Gate Flower Company - Christmas Wreath Workshop 01.12.24
Season 3 Episode 4:
This podcast contains some info about a new project for Grace, Scribehound Gardening. You can take advantage of a special offer for £1 for the first month and then 50% off for the first year here. (Valid until 1 November 2024. £6.99 a month after that.)
In
Disney plus -
Rivals
Only Murders in the Building
BBC -
Ludwig
Out out:
The Story of Emily
The Newt
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
This podcast contains some info about a new project for Grace, Scribehound Gardening. You can take advantage of a special offer for £1 for the first month and then 50% off for the first year here. (Valid until 1 November 2024.)
In:
Sweet peas:
Out:
Out out:
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
This podcast contains some info about a new project for Grace, Scribehound Gardening. You can take advantage of a special offer for £1 for the first month and then 50% off for the first year here.
In:
Tips about scented pelargoniums
Out:
Sweet pea Sunday, where Grace is sowing and Becca’s top three must have sweet peas
Out out:
Becca has been to Hauser & Wirth in Bruton
https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset/
We also talk a bit about Tom Stuart-Smith’s garden at Chelsea
https://www.tomstuartsmith.co.uk/projects/chelsea-2024
Grace had a trip to London & visited:
VV Rouleaux
Ottolenghi
https://ottolenghi.co.uk/pages/locations/marylebone
Labour & Wait
----
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
The first in a new season from Stuart & Alexander; a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
In this podcast, we talk about accessibility and dyslexia. To listen to Grace’s weekly newsletters, you can now subscribe to them in audio form here.
If you would like to hear the exclusive content read by Grace, you can join Gather here.
In
Candles & home scents:
Rebecca Proctor - Cornish ceramicist
Reed diffusers:
Out
Niwaki loppers (25% off if you are a member of Gather here) or full price here.
Out out
Britt Willoughby’s exhibition at Thyme
The pub in the village - The Swan
The Standard Inn on the Roseland
The season finale from Stuart & Alexander; a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
Grace’s out out:
Stuart & Alexander is a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
The seed trays we are raving about:
https://www.garlandproducts.com/brochure/super-7-electric-windowsill-propagator.html
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
Grace’s in: Seasonal jobs – having the chimney swept
Becca’s in: Tricia Guild’s new season of pottery & fabrics
Grace’s out: Not clearing beds and leaving habitats for the wildlife
Becca’s out: Clearing beds!
Grace’s out out: preparing for a party and finding any excuse to wear her Cabbages and Roses tweed cape
Becca’s Out out: Shopping for autumnal wine at Ellis Wharton Wines http://ewwines.co.uk
Becca chose https://ewwines.co.uk/long-barn-zinfandel/ & https://ewwines.co.uk/masseria-li-veli-orion-primitivo/
Stuart & Alexander is a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
Stuart & Alexander is a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
Rebecca Proctor Ceramics
Trelissick National Trust
https://cornwallcrafts.co.uk/trelissick-gallery/
Gear Farm Campsite
Flora cafe at New Yard
https://www.floranewyard.co.uk
The Cornish Italian
Four Boys Cafe
https://www.fourboyscafe.co.uk
Pasta Cacio e pepe
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/cacio-e-pepe
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
Stuart & Alexander is a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
S&A is now available on Instagram! Follow us for out-takes, behind the scenes, extra info, and what coming soon. https://www.instagram.com/stuartandalexander/
Stuart & Alexander is a podcast from friends and flower obsessives, Becca Stuart and Grace Alexander.
Becca is a Cornish grower, florist and stylist, flowering the best weddings and events in Cornwall.
https://thegardengateflowercompany.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/thegardengateflowerco/
Grace is a seed merchant, writer and in conversion organic gardener, and she runs the ultimate flower-lovers’ membership, Gather with Grace Alexander.
www.gracealexanderflowers.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/gracealexanderflowers/
