My allotment next door neighbours

These cardoons - not artichokes as I had previously thought - are so tall! I’d like to have got up higher to take the wonderful blue flowers- but the only thing to stand on was my wheelbarrow, which didn’t seem safe. They’re on one side.
On the other side  - he has quite a conventional plot with rows of beans and cabbages. But he also has patches of gorgeous flowers, including sunflowers and these fabulous magenta gladioli.
Had a bit of sunshine this morning while I was there - but since then it’s been grey, and rainy on and off.  Been freezing my broad beans this afternoon, extremely tedious and time-consuming - though I’ll be pleased when I get to eat them. And listening with growing horror to the unfolding situation in Afghanistan.