Garden Events
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(Lecture & Guided Tour) Knowing and Growing Irises
Saturday, May 2 @ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
$20.00 – $35.00Event Navigation
Thanks to a generous invitation from the Bancroft family, visitors will have the rare opportunity to step beyond the Garden gates and tour Ruth Bancroft’s private iris garden — led by members of the Mt. Diablo Iris Society.
Long before she became known for her succulents at the Ruth Bancroft Garden, Ruth was an avid iris collector. Her personal collection includes rare hybrids and unique heirloom varieties, reflecting decades of passion and careful cultivation.
Event Highlights
- Exclusive access to Ruth Bancroft’s private iris garden
- Guided iris tours led by knowledgeable members of the Mt. Diablo Iris Society
- Talks focusing on the history of Ruth’s iris collection, care essentials and how to plant and divide irises (with demonstrations) including:
- The uniqueness and history of Ruth’s iris collection
- Iris care essentials
- How to plant and divide iris (with demonstrations)
- Tables sharing the science of irises — bring your questions about
- Hybridizing
- Color variations
- The “how and why” behind different iris forms
- Potted irises for sale – add a special variety to your own garden
- Art in Bloom – Botanical illustration society will be selling their unique art, including, of course, iris paintings!
This event is rain or shine.
Cancellation and refund policy can be found here.
Please Note:
Iris tour dates are scheduled based on historical bloom patterns; however, as living systems, gardens do not always follow predictable timelines, particularly with shifting climate conditions. While peak bloom has often occurred in early May, flowering times may vary, and we cannot guarantee peak bloom during your tour. Regardless of the bloom state, the tour will still feature an engaging and informative talk from the Iris Society and the surrounding garden will be beautiful to explore. Hope you can join us!
