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Threave is different from all other gardens in the care of the National Trust for Scotland in two very important respects - it has been created by the Trust and not simply been taken over as an established garden, and also it is a teaching garden which plays an important part in the training of students who are involved in its design and maintenance.
These two facts allow for a great deal of latitude in design and planting, and areas of the garden are regularly cleared and redesigned, providing projects to give young students necessary experience. This tends to keep plantings young and fresh, allows for the introduction of new material, and provides a great deal of interest for the visitor, encouraging return visits.
The garden extends to just over 60 acres (24 hectares) and is mainly sited on the west facing slope of Kelton Hill at an altitude on 250 ft (76 m) above sea level. The undulating ground, with many natural rock outcrops, has led to a largely informal design, as formal features are difficult to place.
The soil is heavy with a high silt content. It holds water well and established plants do not suffer, even in the driest seasons. It can, however, become very wet in winter and is best left alone between November and March.
The planting policy is to include a wide range of good garden plants which will grow well in the soil and climate. Rare or difficult plants are not included, and neither are plants of purely botanical interest.
A range of fruit and vegetables, including interesting, unusual or historic varieties is grown, mainly in the Walled Garden. As well as providing instruction for students, the produce is used in the student hostel. Plant propagation plays an important part in the students' education, the resulting plants being used to supply Threave and other Trust gardens. Plants surplus to requirements are sold from the Visitor Centre.
The idea of a gardening school emerged when a use was being sought for Threave House and the surrounding grounds. At that time opportunities for formal training in ornamental gardening were limited and the Trust's Gardens Committee saw that by training students in the type of gardening practised in the Trust gardens, they would have a supply of future head gardeners. This has proved to be the case. The school has been in operation since 1960 and now offers a one year full time residential course which is predominantly practical. Six students are accepted each year. They live in Threave House, part of which has been converted to form self contained flats for students.