Like many of us without a garden to tend to, restaurant manager Jason Williams didn't have much experience with plants before lockdown.
But after deciding to brighten up his balcony during the first lockdown, his efforts far surpassed many, as he created an incredible urban oasis.
From starting with a bunch of marigolds, he is now set to exhibit his incredible garden at next month's Chelsea Flower Show.
Jason, 35, started gardening on his Manchester city centre balcony in a bid to aid his mental health.
Struggling to find helpful resources on how to create such a small space, Jason documented his journey on social media to help other hopeful gardeners with small spaces.
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Under the name 'The Cloud Gardener' he shared his experiences of gardening at 200ft - and will now showcase his Cirrus Garden, named after high-level clouds, at the RHS show.
He told the Manchester Evening News : "I had just moved into my apartment and realised how important outside space was. I ended up going to B&Q in Cheetham Hill and getting a marigold.
"The garden centre was the only place that was open so that became the day trip out when I was going for walks. It was a nice distraction during the lockdown. It started off just to pass the time then grew into more than that.
"I realised how much it helped with my mental health and I got really into self-sufficiency to try and grow food for myself." Jason spent the following months honing his gardening skills through trial and error, and documented his journey in YouTube videos.
His two-bedroom apartment in Manchester, which he shares with brother Ethan, 23, is now home to more than 150 house plants and a further 100 containers on his ever-growing balcony garden.
It has helped him to become more self-sufficient, and he now grows his own fruit and vegetables as well as converts his household waste into compost.
His Chelsea garden will be a replica of his balcony - filled with flowers, herbs, salads, vegetables and even a fish pond, lit by twinkling fairy lights. It will go on public display from May 24.
Gardening so high up does bring unique challenges, Jason adds, elaborating: "The front of my garden is glass railings so on a sunny day it can be anything up to 15 degrees warmer than on ground level. That affects some of my plants.
"Being so high up, it's extremely windy. Nine times out of ten, my plants end up getting windburned and dying.
"It's about making the right choices and working out what is going to suit my space. My garden isn't picture perfect. Sometimes things don't go well and it's important to learn from your mistakes."
He said there were a 'lot of tears' when he found out he was set to appear at the show.
"It's probably one of the most famous flower shows in the world so for someone like me with no gardening experience to get there is a real honour. It's amazing that they've given me the opportunity. Everyone is super supportive.
"It's been an incredible journey. One of the main things has been just having a bit of self-belief, believing I can do things and not giving up.
"I realised I was working 60 to 70 hours a week, contantly worn out and answering emails. Having time out in lockdown gave me time to reflect. There's nothing better than leaving a toxic work environment and doing something you love."
