Annette tenBroeke decided to start the Riverina Iris Farm in 2013 as a present for her mother’s 80th birthday. 

“She’s now 86 and we have 1500 irises,” she said. 

“We got a bit carried away and now it’s a business.”

The Riverina Iris Farm boasts more than 1300 tall bearded irises after starting with a humble 200 in 2013. 

Now that spring has arrived, the irises are blooming, so until November 5, the farm will be open to the public.

Ms tenBroeke said people tend to think irises are exclusively purple and white, which isn’t necessarily true.

“They don’t realise there is an absolute kaleidoscope of colours, it’s quite a sight," she said. 

“People can come and have a look and choose now for when we dig later during the year.” 

Ms tenBroeke said she has been lucky with her floral endaevours this year despite the lack of rain. 

“One of the things about irises I love is that once they are established they’re quite drought-hardy. 

“Even though it has been a dry year, they are still performing quite well.” 

Morning tea and afternoon tea will be available for a small donation, and money raised from this will go toward the Buy a Bale drought relief program. 

The Riverina Iris Farm at 13 Sycamore Road, Lake Albert, will be open Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. 

Visitors can admire the blooms and also put in orders. 

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