The Secrets of Irises

Who doesn't recognize an iris? This is one flower that's truly hard to miss. Year in and year out, enthusiasts throughout Israel spare no effort to view these glorious native blossoms up close, from the northern Galilee to the Gilboa and even to Yerucham in the Negev desert. 
Ramat Hanadiv boasts an iris garden that includes the world's largest selection of the rare Oncocyclus irises (Iris hashoshan). Every Oncocyclus iris that grows in Israel -- some 50 species -- is represented in the garden's collection.  The iris's annual bloom season is relatively short, but given the variety of species, out garden is filled with life and colour from February to April.
During the decades, many of the iris's natural habitats have been destroyed or seriously diminished by massive urban development. Since this is a plant that is particularly sensitive to change and disease, it is very hard to grow it successfully and virtually impossible to return it to nature. Thus Ramat Hanadiv's Iris Garden serves as a last refuge for  many species of Oncocyclus iris that were rescued from endangered habitats. It gives many people the opportunity to learn about this unique flower and the conservation efforts needed to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these extraordinary blossoms.
We invite you to join us for our annual tour of the Iris Garden and discover why this flower crowns the logo of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, why it's called the 'king of the Gilboa' and who pollinates its splendid flowers. And, of course, to just marvel at its magnificent blooms.

The tour will take place on Saturday, 11.3.17, from11 a.m.
The price of the Iris tour is NIS 25 per person (above the age of 4). Places are limited, so waste no time in reserving your spot!