Threave Garden

Threave Garden

Threave Garden is a colourful 64-acre garden surrounding a Victorian stately home on the edge of Castle Douglas. The house is open to visitors, as is the 1,500 acre estate, with miles of walking trails and a wildfowl sanctuary. At the heart of the Threave Garden is the ornamental gardens close to the mansion. Here you will find over 200 varieties of daffodils, herbaceous beds, a heather garden, and a wide variety of trees.

History

The Threave Estate was the home of the powerful Black Douglas family for centuries (see Threave Castle). In 1867 the estate was purchased by William Gordon, a wealthy industrialist from Liverpool. Gordon built the impressive Scottish Baronial style mansion and was responsible for much of the impressive formal gardens.

There is something of interest throughout the year, even in winter as there are several glasshouses where even tender varieties of plants can thrive. At Christmas even the mansion house is decorated with garlands of flowers and Christmas trees. Spring brings a riot of colour with bulbs and shrubs, rhododendrons, and walled garden flowers.

Threave is an extremely enjoyable garden with plenty of interest, even for younger visitors, and should make for a good family day out. Free entry for National Trust for Scotland members.