growing · January
Can I Grow Flowers on an Apartment Roof? (Sharayna's Story)
Sharayna grows dahlias, poppies and vegetables on a West London apartment-block rooftop allotment. Proof there's always space to grow.
TL;DR: Yes, you absolutely can. Read on to see how Sharayna, a student on my Seed to Vase course, grows flowers on her apartment roof.
Sharayna Desouza lives in Brentford, West London. Hailing from Mumbai, she and her partner live in an apartment block in a built-up area — but this is no ordinary apartment block. The roof houses a raised-bed allotment for residents, where they can grow fruit, veg and, of course, flowers. A fabulous idea to help us regreen our cities and live more sustainably.
Sharayna and her partner took a lease of one of these spaces back in 2019 and proceeded to grow the staples: spuds, tomatoes, and a few extra treats such as aubergines.
"I have always grown vegetables, and I have to say, I am pretty good at it."
Having discovered our courses in an allotment Facebook group, Sharayna entered one of my competitions, winning herself a space on the Seed to Vase course — which is where the flower-growing bug bit.
"This year I've tried growing some things in pots. I tried poppies, but I didn't have a lot of success. However, I am proud to say that I have managed to grow two dahlias from seed in pots — they're beautiful. Oh — and I managed to get my Christmas cactus to flower, which is very exciting!"
The darker days
With a job as a compliance officer for a hedge fund in the city, Sharayna's days can be incredibly exhausting — and the last few years of her life have been incredibly stressful.
"At the start of 2019, I was made redundant from my job. My partner and I had just moved into this apartment and it was an incredibly worrying time — especially as I was in the UK on a visa that was sponsored by my workplace."
"During those darker days when I was looking for a new job, I would head to the roof, to my raised-bed allotment, every day and spend two or three hours weeding it and preparing it ready for planting."
"Even in the pouring rain and the cold of winter it made me feel great — like I had a sense of purpose and something to get up for every day. It did so much for my mental health."
The fifteen minutes after work
Like so many gardeners, Sharayna now heads straight to her outdoor space after work to check in on her plant babies, have a chat with them, and make sure they're watered and thriving.
"I work for a hedge fund in the West End — heading straight to the roof after work helps the stresses of the day just melt away. Those fifteen minutes are an absolute lifesaver."
I totally get this. When I started the farm, I was still working in my corporate job. Every day I'd go home and potter in the garden. I could feel the strains of the day evaporate away.
"Every day I'd see something new happen, and when the flowers were blooming, I was like 'oh my God! I have actually grown those!' I felt so proud!"
What's next for Sharayna
"Next year, I want to grow more flowers. I am short on space, but I have taken possession of a big recycling tub. I've put it next to my raised bed, so I'm going to plant that up with flowers for next year. I've also been given a rose plant recently, so I'm excited to plant that up and see it in bloom next summer. But overall — I just want to keep having fun with it."
And that's the most important thing. Having fun with it. Buying a £2.99 packet of seeds and throwing them in the ground and seeing what happens is nothing — it's just fun. And getting enjoyment from growing must be the most important thing.
"If you asked me what gives me the most joy and makes me happiest, I would straightaway say it's growing and gardening."
Sharayna's story originally featured in my book, Seed to Vase — A Collection of Stories. For more student stories, read Alison's Growing Through Grief.
