Topsham Allotments and Gardens Society
Topsham Allotments and Gardens Society
Welcome to the website of Topsham Allotments and Gardens Society (TAGS).
We celebrated our 50th anniversary as society in 2017 and today we are a thriving group of around 150 members who live mostly in Topsham or nearby.
Our common interest is in gardens and gardening. While most members have gardens of all sizes or allotments or, indeed, both, membership is open to all with this interest. So, if you share this love of growing things, have a look at the benefits of TAGS Membership by clicking on the button below.
Back to normality
With considerable relief we have started our normal summer programme of visits and events, first with a visit to Bicton College to learn how they teach horticulture. Bicton has a range of part time courses on horticulture and other land based activities. Then we had a busy Plant and Seed Swap where people exchanged news and views as well as plants and seeds. Next is our Open Allotments on Saturday 4th June between 10am and 11.30am where people can see what is available at low prices from our Trading Hut and what is involved in caring for an allotment. Then there is a visit on 7th June to RHS Rosemoor which is a bargain - £10 for the coach to Rosemoor and entrance. Priority is given to TAGS members but others can apply, email topshamags@gmail.com.
As the summer matures we hold our Annual Show on August 21st, which is available for all Topsham residents to enter, and finally we go to Forde Abbey by coach on 15th September.
Hollyhocks Project.
If anyone has any surplus hollyhock seedlings, rather than throw them away, I would like to receive/collect them so they can be used at the base of the walls in the two children’s play areas in Topsham.
Freddie Bush TAGS President
Some suggestions of tasks to do in the garden in June
1. Snip off dead roses and spray.
2. Protect ripened fruit from ravenous pests.
3. Plant out tender vegetables like courgettes and french beans.
4. Start feeding and pinch out side shoots on tomatoes.
5. Feed hanging baskets and containers.
6. Lift tulip bulbs if not already done and store in a dark area.
7. Hoe borders, mow lawns and treat and feed but, if possible, leave some grass uncut for wild life.
8. Keep watering, especially if no rain and stake tall or floppy plants.
9. Shade greenhouses to keep cool.
10. If you haven’t already, put new barley straw in ponds to keep algae under control.
Pam Bush and Sue Parr, Garden Reps.
For What's On
Saturday June 4th Open Allotments Morning for Platinum Jubilee at Butts Park 10-11.30am, no need to book.
Tuesday June 7th Coach trip to RHS Rosemoor leave 9.30am, return about 5.30pm
Please email topshamags@gmail.com or phone 877318 to book
The Buddy System is an initiative for matching would-be plot holders with existing plot holders that may be of interest to our members.
Information on the scheme can be found in the Allotment Section under Allotment Information.
Phil, one of our members with a half allotment at the Sunhill Site shares his ideas and information of how he manages his allotment
From Maureen and Peter Morris.
As you know at the end of last summer we decided that we would not be having a plant stall this year because of the money thefts and no longer being able to use the space next door.
The good news is that The Lighter have very, very kindly agreed to us using an area to display and sell plants and to help us by taking card payments. There is CCTV which should help too.
If you are thinking of splitting plants or taking cuttings could you please think of us. Donations of plants will still need to be brought to me opposite 9 Ferry Road so that they can be labelled and priced. We do not want to have any plants delivered to The Lighter.
Dont forget when you are buying your spring garden supplies/plants that St Bridget Nurseries offer 10% discount to TAGS Member on production of your membership card
Do look at the items in the Swap Shop - there might be something there that is just what you are looking for!
More information can be found on sites, some of whom are now having talks on Zoom, and hopefully sometime we'll be able to meet again in village halls:.
After the TAGS Show on Sunday 22nd August two small jugs used to display entries have not been collected and are still waiting to be claimed.
Please contact 07778 009023 if one of them is yours and we can re-unite you!
