Three Reasons to Love and Plant Irises in Your Garden
In this week’s Three Things With, we’re travelling to the Western Riverina to meet the lovely Annabel Hanna of Sunshine Iris and Daylily Nursery.
Set on Annabel’s family farm, among Merino sheep, cattle, wide skies, and the steady rhythm of rural life, the nursery is a true labour of love. What began as a passion for flowers and gardening has grown into a beautiful country business, sharing the colour and joy of irises and daylilies well beyond Annabel’s own little patch of paradise.
Annabel spends her days tending to the nursery, often with her three small children in tow, while also helping on the farm. After years of growing irises and caring for a garden first planted by her mother-in-law, stepping into Sunshine Iris and Daylily Nursery felt like a natural and heartfelt fit.
Here are Annabel’s three reasons to love and plant irises in your garden.
SHOP ANNABEL'S LE SAC FAVOURITES
1. Irises are wonderfully hardy
One of the best things about irises is how little they ask of you once established.
Bearded irises can thrive with very little and are well suited to Australia’s often harsh conditions. On the Hay Plains, where Annabel grows them, they handle the climate beautifully and have low water requirements, making them a brilliant choice for gardeners looking for resilient, rewarding plants.
For Australian gardens, especially those that experience hot, dry weather, irises can be a lovely way to bring colour and elegance without constant fuss.
2. Their spring flowering season is spectacular
Bearded irises usually put on their brilliant flowering display from September to November, just as the garden begins to wake up and stretch into spring.
Their tall stems, ruffled petals, and striking colours bring a sense of occasion to the garden. And for those who love a surprise, some bearded iris varieties may even re-bloom throughout the year, offering another flush of beauty when you least expect it.
3. There is an iris for every garden
Bearded irises come in an exceptional spectrum of colours. From soft creams and blush tones to deep purples, golden yellows, smoky mauves, and rich dramatic shades, there truly is an iris for everyone.
The word “iris” is also tied to Greek mythology, meaning rainbow. Iris was the Greek goddess described as the personification of the rainbow, which feels especially fitting for a flower with such an extraordinary range of colour.
Whether your garden is romantic, wild, structured, cottage-inspired, or full of bold seasonal colour, there is likely an iris that belongs in it.
SHOP ANNABEL'S LE SAC FAVOURITES
Follow Annabel and her beautiful nursery at @sunshineirisnursery and visit the Sunshine Iris and Daylily Nursery website to shop their gorgeous plants and products.
More iris tips from Annabel are coming soon. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to read them.
