Narromine Iris Farm is situated 5 kms from Narromine on the Parkes Road, just over the Backwater Cowal Bridge. Mel and Vas Roberts started growing irises in 1997 and opened to the public with three display beds and 15 rows of irises, for the first time in the Spring of 1998. They have transformed the old bull yard and sheep yards into a lovely picturesque and peaceful spot to visit.

From small beginnings the Iris Farm has grown to around 5 acres of tall bearded iris plus about three acres of gardens and lawn area. Louisiana (water) iris are grown in pots in ponds as well as in the ground. They seem to do just as well in the ground amongst other plants so long as they get a reasonable amount of water. They are also ideal for growing around dams and at the water’s edge.

Spuria Iris are a different type of iris with flowers very similar to the Dutch Iris only they have much larger flowers and lots of different colours. They have a tall sword like leaf which grows profusely as soon as the cooler weather starts ie from March and continue throughout the winter months so by spring time they produce a tall clump of green leaves which break out into flower about October.

Narromine Iris Farm has also branched out into daylilies, cannas and geraniums. We have lots of different colours in the daylilies and about 30 or so different cannas. The geraniums are field grown and sold by cuttings although there will be some potted geraniums available in the next year.

Visitors to the iris farm during the iris flowering season ie mid September till mid November can enjoy a free cuppa while they wander amongst the acres of irises. There is a nice picnic area with tables and seats and shelters and some people like to celebrate a birthday by bringing their friends and a birthday cake and enjoy a cuppa whilst viewing the irises.

Buses are welcome but need to book in so arrangements can be made to cater for them.

Visitors are welcome any time to the iris farm as we are open six days of the week but closed Saturdays. After the flowering season, anyone wanting irises can choose from the colour catalogues. Tall bearded iris can be dug at any time of the year however if you want them to bloom in that spring you need to plant them by April to give them time to set down their new root system and become established prior to the winter setting in.

Spuria iris can only be dug between January and March when they are dormant so you need to get your orders in at that time or prior to then and we will dig them for you during that period.

We hope to get a catalogue of the cannas and geraniums in the next season. Mel has to get busy with the camera and get his photos organised next flowering season.

Catalogues of the irises and daylilies are available free of charge by telephoning the Iris Farm at 02 6889 1885 or by fax 02 6889 1886 or by email at melroberts@bigpond.com.au or just write to us at Narromine Iris Farm ‘Villa Nova’ Narromine NSW 2821.

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, money order or we are happy to accept bankcard/visa/mastercard.

Do feel free to give us a call if you have any queries about irises. If you are planning on a visit out of flowering season it’s a good idea to call and check that we will be at home on that day.