Allotment anniversary (before and after pics)

5 years ago, I walked through the gates of East Ward Allotments for the first time, very excited (and a bit terrified), was shown 3 plots and chose this one - lucky number 13 (at the time 13a + 13b) on the "posh row". I've never looked back. 

I've achieved so much in 5 years: dug out dozens of bramble roots and most of the bindweed, planted new perennials (asparagus, rhubarb, globe artichokes), rebuilt the compost heap, added trailerloads of organic matter to the soil, had a greenhouse put up, made a pond. Sowed, planted, watered, mulched, trimmed, pruned, lifted, lugged around. Lovingly cared for all the plants year after year. 

The best about it all has been the people I've met, the things I've learned and the things (big and small) I've done for the creatures who lived here before I came, the ones who arrived because of my work, and the ones who will still be here long after I've gone.