Alumni have gone on to work at prestigious gardens such as the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Head of Threave School of Heritage Gardening, Michael Lawrie, with students(Image: Jenny Woolgar Photography)
Celebrations are being planned for the 65th anniversary of Threave Heritage School of Gardening.
The National Trust for Scotland property on the outskirts of Castle Douglas is one of just a few horticultural education centres in the UK offering a firm grounding in both the theory and practice of gardening.
Alumni have gone on to work at other trust properties as well as prestigious gardens such as the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The celebration will take place on Saturday, July 26 with alumni, former staff and supporters welcome to go along.
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The trust’s operations manager at Threave Garden and Nature Reserve, Gareth Clingan, said: “The School of Heritage Gardening is unique in Scotland for its combination of theoretical and practical instruction. Many former students speak of the stress of the fortnightly ident tests, but what a difference they made in their practical work in the garden.
“And one of the wonderful things about Threave is that it’s tended by the students, their teachers, and volunteers, so they have a lot of involvement in its design and can take responsibility for a well-visited and well-loved working garden while they’re studying.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming former students and staff to attend the celebrations on 26 July and hope that we can gather people from across the country to celebrate Threave Garden, the school, and its great legacy.”
The reunion, which is being held at the Stables Courtyard in Threave House form 1pm to 4pm, will give people a chance to look at a book compiled by former students Brian Stuart.
The History of Threave School of Gardening 1960-2025 records the school’s full story, thanks to information from principals Bill Hean, Trevor Jones and Michael Lawrie, as well as additional memories from some alumni.
It will be available at the anniversary, with digital copies for those who can’t attend.
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Head gardener for Dumfries and Galloway and head of Threave School of Heritage Gardening, Michael Lawrie, said: “I’ve been involved in training students for the last 21 years, starting as a garden instructor, then as assistant head gardener, and in 2016 taking overall responsibility for the garden and school.
“In my time, I’ve seen more than 120 students from all around the world, from Japan and South Africa to Spain and the US, to name a few. They have all achieved the Threave Certificate, which is internationally recognised throughout the horticulture industry, as well as obtaining the RHS practical level two or three qualifications.
“It’s amazing seeing the transformation from the start of their one-year course to the end, where their confidence, passion, and knowledge has excelled and led them onto the next step in their horticultural pathway, whether it be full time employment or continuing their education.
“The reunion on July 26 will celebrate what Threave has given us all in our careers, provide the chance to share memories, and allow us to meet colleagues all with one thing in common – the love and passion for Threave.”
To RSVP to the anniversary event, email threave@nts.org.uk.