It's that time of year when the allotment is absolutely flourishing - a mix of both bountiful produce and pesky weeds in our case.

All the plots look magnificent - people lucky enough to have lotties here take real pride in this little green oasis, tucked behind watering hole, the Three Mile Inn.

We cannot believe it's been a year since we took our own allotment on.

A knee injury means I've been out of action for the last six weeks. But I've ditched the crutches and I'm hobbling now, and will be back to the lottie before long.

There have been some hits this year, courgettes among them, which we love roasted in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil and crushed garlic. And the lollo rosso lettuces have done really well. Both us and the guinea pigs have been enjoying these.

We've had a few strawberries and radishes, and some beetroot. Although the tomato plants in pots, whilst laden with fruit, don't seem to be doing much ripening at the moment. Not much happening with the carrots as yet but potatoes look hopeful.

The shed is now up - just the canvas roof to replace. We are slowly, but surely, getting there.

It's been a steep learning curve - but fellow allotmenteers have been generous with their advice.

The main thing, as ever, is having more time to devote to the site.