Allotments and Loose Gardeners' Society

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Loose Gardeners' Society was founded in 1884 for the benefit of members cultivating allotments at the top of Old Loose Hill, on land left to the parish by Lady McAlpine.

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In the early days only “gentlemen gardeners” were permitted on the site with their ladies being allowed in on Sundays.  In the 21st century at least a third of the membership is female.

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There are 144 plots, a large proportion of which are half-plots.

Although the land is owned and managed by the Loose Parish Council (McAlpine) Allotments Charity (the McAlpine Trust), the day-to-day running of the site is left to the members of the Loose Gardeners' Society, who collect the rents, regularly inspect the plots to see they are being well used and organise the cutting of hedges and paths and any other maintenance work that is required. 

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Loose Gardeners’ Society is a separate organisation run for the benefit of the plot-holders but also for local people in Loose and surrounding villages.  Membership offers discounts at some local nurseries and garden centres. At the Site Shed on the allotments, items such as composts, fertilisers and other garden sundries are also available at competitive prices.

 

The Society holds regular functions for its members:- coffee mornings; a summer evening buffet in June; Christmas and Easter get-togethers and an Annual Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show in August.  The latter is open to the public and is the main event of the year, where members have a chance to show off their prize exhibits and win cups.  This event is held on the allotment site and is very well supported by the people of Loose. 

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Loose Gardeners’ Society is a very friendly society and welcomes new members. For details of membership or plot availability, please contact the Secretary of the Loose Gardeners’ Society by emailing logarso1884@hotmail.co.uk

Loose Road allotments are also within the parish, with 110 plots split over two sites nestled between Mayfair Avenue, South park and Hazlitt Place. The land is owned by Maidstone Borough Council but managed on a voluntary basis by Maidstone Allotments Management Committee (MAMC). Further information can be found on their website here. 
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