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The Napa County Iris Gardens |
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Napa County has more than its share of well-kept secrets. Special places that make visitors and locals alike value our beautiful countryside. To the delight of all who visit, the Napa County Iris Gardens are open for tours in April and May each year. Upon arriving at the gardens you will find a rainbow of color provided by the more than five hundred varieties of mostly tall bearded iris, all set against the backdrop of surrounding green hills that compliment the explosion of colors. John and Lesley Painter are the proud owners of the gardens that have been open to the public at no charge for the past ten years. They still greet visitors and are on hand to answer questions. As you tour the rows of iris you will be astounded by the sharp contrasts, the subtle blends of color and the deep, vibrant hues of the blooms. You will also be amused by the names given to each of the varieties, names that range from Boogie Woogie, Cajun Spice and Cantina to refined ones such as Champagne Elegance, City Lights and Memphis Blues. You can choose a particular iris not just by name, but also by color, petal shapes and height. While the colors invariably inspire awe, the shapes of the petals are also amazing. There are varieties with ruffles, with blooms that have a soft velvet look and smooth edges and of course the more traditional, classic look. Entering the garden area visitors are welcome to pick up a clipboard and an order sheet to start a wish list of varieties they might want to order. There are also potted iris' available to take home. Nearby are several well-placed picnic tables where you can fill out your order or simply relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. According to the Painters, the biggest problem visitors have is eliminating one iris or another from their order form. All the iris varieties are registered with the American Iris Society and prices range from $4 to $20 per selection. The customer receives the iris in the mail as rhizomes, which look like roots and are in fact members of the bulb family. The rhizomes are dug from year old plants to ensure size and quality. They should be planted within two weeks of receipt; growing instructions are included with every order. The planting season is from July through September. Each year upwards of 7000 people come to visit the gardens during the short season when they are open to the public. The gardens are near Lake Berryessa, just a mile and a half from the intersection of Highways 121 and 128 and only 15 miles from Downtown Napa. You may want to call ahead for directions and bloom status. The Napa Country Iris Gardens may be one of the most beautiful, and certainly one of the last truly "hidden" spots left in the Napa Valley. Napa County Iris Gardens |
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