I can’t deny this is hard labour and the truth is, I’m not enjoying it at all. Boredom is setting in, so I’ve opened up new fronts to spice things up.

There are many stables/horse yards around the local area and we benefit from a regular supply of manure. I’ve been barrowing loads to the plot and using it to mark out the beds, which makes it look terribly organised and gives me something satisfying to look at as I continue the digging slog.

I may be the only person actively wanting more rain – it makes digging much easier.

This is the same view with an outline plan

This is the main new front – laying a slab base for the tool shed. Digger man needs a new level bubble – there’s at least 10cm difference from one side to the other. I’ve decided that getting a level in three directions is at least one too many. Just as well the shed base is accustomed to allotment levels and the reason wooden shims were invented.

There is a bath pond out of shot to the right of the shed. Also a new front, clearing the weeds from around it, and clearing from within. The wooden decking from the other plot will fill the gap between shed and pond/wildlife area.

The shed and germination station need attention; it’s a fine line between shabby and derelict. I’m pondering the wisdom of a multicoloured shed to use up the various tins left over. A dash of lime green, a bit of raspberry pink, the obligatory purple pansy all subdued with a bit of urban slate.