Proud True Purple Iris

Perched above the city, just to the side of the Piazzale Michelangelo, is one of Florence’s surprise treasures. The Iris Garden cascades down the city side of this high ground, confounding one with its explosion of color and sheer size.  There are more than 6,000 blooms here…..all of them in the Iris family.

Delicate Peach Iris

Normally, this garden draws hoards of viewers during its prime blooming time…..between April 25 and May 20.  This year, because of the health emergency caused by the Corona virus, its opening date was scheduled for May 18 when many city venues will open to the public once again……but that would have been too late for many of the blooms.  By then, nearly all of the flowers would have disappeared. 

Pink Cheer Iris

Thanks to a dialogue with Florence’s municipal government, the Iris Garden received a special exemption to allow people to enjoy this magnificent piece of nature after two months of lockdown…….it opened yesterday, May 11th, with appropriate safety protocols in place.

Fancy Two-Toned Iris

I’ve gone to the Iris Garden nearly every year…..it’s a highlight in my calendar for May.   This year, I am sheltering-in-place in Montpelier, Vermont, USA…..so I will have to make do with these photos of past years’ displays.

Maple Iris – My Tie to Vermont?

Since there are blooms from all over the world planted here (thanks to the efforts of the Italian Iris Society which was founded in 1959) there are many varieties of Iris, some of them surprising in size as well as color.

Delicate Pinks

Tiny Yellow Fellow

The Garden is a very special place…..can you imagine walking through paths that are lined with outrageous blooms while enjoying an expansive view of the entire city laid out at your feet?

Iris Garden View

 The window for this unique experience is small……three or four weeks in May…..but if you find yourself in Florence during that time, don’t miss it.

Colorful Neighbors

And……if you’re so inclined and intend to be here for a while, you should know that most of the upkeep and work involved in keeping this Garden happy is managed by volunteers…..

Peaceful Lavender Iris

I will not be able to enjoy the delights of this garden in person this year, but I am happy to know that so many Florentines will.  And meanwhile, these photos are doing a pretty good job of comforting me.