The spectacular Iris garden run by the Societ dellIris in Florence will be open to the public this year from 30 April-20 May for the XVIX annual Iris competition. Competitors have to send the rhizomes to the Iris society three years before the competition. The plant is then grown in the society garden and judged in the third year of growth. More than 1,500 varieties are grown in the gardens which are open every day from 10.00-12.30 and from 15.00 -19.00; entrance is free.

Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence. Tel. Societ Italiana dellIris, 055483112.