Me too shiney.
I learned so much from the old timers up my allotment. You know you sort of go through phases. First your the new kid on the block, and you can almost see them taking bets to see how long you will last.
All our O.T's allotments were near each other. They'd worked their way up the allotment pecking order and had the best plots. Consequently they used to have one shed that had the brewing box in, primus, kettle etc etc. Outside there was THE BENCH where all the gardening guru's used to sit. The times I would approach THE BENCH with appropriate humble respect either to ask a question or show them something.
Then they become like tolerant grandads sharing their knowledge. Albert was "He who knew all" would say things in a broad Cornish accent " 'eeer maid, whaaat you neeed to do is". Coming from London I had to ask my mother-in-law why he called me a maid. Turns out it means girl, and being I was a fifty year old woman I didn't mind that at all.
I knew I was getting nearer THE BENCH when Albert instead of leaving the plot one way would go the route so that he passed the whole length my plot and would stop for a chat to offer advice. I suppose he'd seen so many come and go within a couple of weeks he didn't waste his breath until you'd been there a while.
My plot was nearest the gate and I'd had a trailer load of manure delivered. By the time I moved it around the plot the bed it had sat on was really rich and I planted some cabbages on it. And they were beauties..if I don't say so myself.
Well my proudest moment was when Albert and Ron, another member of the inner circle stopped to look at them and said to me " ' eeeer maid that's a right 'ansome bed of cabbages you've got there"
Well was I chuffed or what...I never did make it to THE BENCH, sadly the council did not renew the lease, but I reckon another FIVE years and I might just of been the first woman allowed on THE BENCH
Sorry if I've been rambling on, you'll soon learn I have a bad habit of doing that
I bet your grandad would be proud of you, not least because he would know how much hard work it is. Hence the O.T's bets to see how long people lasted (I bet there was a few bob changed hands outside that shed over the years).
Jill..
Wulf...can you spot where it is??? :) 
