Here's my allotment viewed from Google Earth - from last year maybe. I've highlighted it in case you cant make it out. You might also notice that one of my neighbours has got his more under control. But there are a few newly dug beds visible on mine and there's a shed on the left.

The beds are the handy work of a friend of mine who’s been looking after the plot for a few years. There’s also a rhubarb patch that she planted and an asparagus bed that she inherited from me. My friend's now moved to a new allotment and so she handed this one back to me just 2 weeks ago now. I’ve been busy up there digging and planting since then.

So this is my second time at it. The first time the weeds, slugs and hayfever beat me. This time, I think I’m ready for them. My first plan is to stick with what works. I’ve planted onion sets, shallots and garlic over 2 beds as nothing eats them and I shouldn’t have to worry about watering them. Potatoes, sweet corn and courgettes should do ok too, and I think and I’m going to try out purple sprouting broccoli and Florence fennel to see how tough they are. I know, as names go, Florence Fennel doesn’t sound very tough, but we'll see.

I’ll try and get some more close up photos to mark the changes over the year.