I spent the greater part of last autumn and winter seriously focusing on transplanting around 15,000 irises. Think wild autumnal winds, rain, and me trudging about for months in initially a huge yellow two piece wet weather suit, which eventually (after being blown backwards whilst trying to cycle home) I upgraded to a chic navy blue slimmer fit. I lived in wet weather gear, and breathed irises, I dreamt of iris names flying in the wind and dancing in mud.

Iris Stella Light and Rosalie Figge

Its surprising really that before last autumn I had little passion for irises, but then I was ignorant, and now, thousands of rhizomes later, I can say for sure that I am hooked. Last year I never really saw the iris field until digging time, when most of the flowering had finished, it was then the remontants, the second fruiters, which held my gaze, the beauty of Stella Light, which on its own is a rich purple, but oddly becomes more blue when held next to the rich papal purple of Rosalie Figge.

Iris Midnight Caller and Codicil

But now, I see the field in all its glory, a sea of colours, so many enchanting possibilities. This week I especially wanted some Iris Midnight Caller, for its velvet richness and some Codicil, I like the way the dark beards contrast against the antique blue standards and falls. But no doubt there will be many more that I “need”, I can’t wait to have a leisurely stroll and meet some of the hundreds of varieties we have to tempt. Our iris fields are officially open for viewing from the 24th of May until the 10th June. Do pop in and have a look, I expect you will be smitten.