About Bob
Hello, I’m Bob. By day, I’m a teacher here in the UK, doing my best to make tricky subjects simple for my students. By weekend (and let’s be honest, most evenings!), I’m usually on my balcony, trying to do the same thing for my plants.
My Journey into Small-Space Gardening
My passion for gardening didn’t start in a sprawling country garden with a pristine lawn. Quite the opposite. It started years ago in a city flat with a small, windy balcony that I was determined to turn into a green oasis. It felt like a proper challenge, and I was ready for it.
I made all the classic mistakes – wrong plants for the sun, wrong pots for the space, and a few sad-looking herbs that didn’t last the week. But through endless trial and error, reading everything I could get my hands on, and a lot of patience, I started to figure out what actually works in the real world of small-space, container-based gardening here in the UK.
Why Trust Me?
That’s a fair question. Here’s my promise to you:
- Real-World, UK Experience: Everything I share on Solis Strata comes from years of hands-on experience on my own balconies and patios. If I recommend a plant or a technique, it’s because I’ve tested it myself against the challenges of our wonderfully unpredictable British weather.
- A Teacher’s Approach: My day job is all about breaking down complex topics into simple, understandable steps. I apply that same “no-jargon” approach here. My goal is to teach you the method and give you the confidence to adapt, not just give you a rigid list of rules.
- Focused on What Works: This site isn’t about fancy, expensive gear or plants you can’t find. It’s about practical, achievable results for people with balconies, patios, and small gardens.
My Gardening Philosophy
I genuinely believe that anyone can grow something, somewhere. You don’t need a huge garden or a massive budget to experience the joy of watching a seed sprout or picking your own fresh herbs for dinner.
It’s about being clever with your space, understanding the basics, and not being afraid to get your hands a little dirty. It’s about creating your own little patch of nature, no matter where you live.
Let’s Get Growing
Thanks for stopping by. I hope the guides on this site give you the confidence to start your own small-space garden. Have a look around, and let’s get growing.
You can also connect with me here:
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