The Secret Iris Garden
Why “Secret”?
We have created a display garden at our iris nursery on the Casa Nova estate, where you can see irises alongside some of the plants that best complement them. The garden is located at about 500m above sea level on the South-facing slopes of the Niccone valley. The lie of the land screens the garden from view and you would never even guess it was here. So, it is a delightful secret, which it is our pleasure to share with you!
A Rainbow of colour
We have over 850 cultivars of bearded irises, alongside other types of irises, roses, peonies, other herbaceous perennials, grasses and bamboos. The gardens are in a beautiful location, with panoramic views across the Niccone valley to a grand amphitheatre of mountains, the Marche to the East, Umbria to the South and Tuscany to the West. We opened to the public for the first time in May 2018 and have opened in May of every year since, welcoming gardening enthusiasts from around the world.
Visiting the Secret Iris Garden
Our display garden and iris fields are only open to visitors during the iris bloom season. There are two ways you can visit:
We will be open to the general public during the published hours set out below, without charge, or the need to pre-book the visit.
Alternatively, groups can, by prior arrangement, pre-book visits during the bloom season outside the published public opening hours and for this there is a charge of 5 euros per person (minimum charge 100 Euros).
A limited number of varieties will be on sale in pots. A much larger range is available from our online store.
Public Opening Hours in 2026
Saturday 2 and Sunday 2 May 2026 from 10.30-12.00 and 14.00-17.00
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2026 from 10.30-12.00 and 14.00-17.00
Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026 from 10.30-12.00 and 14.00-17.00
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2026 from 10.30-12.00 and 14.00-17.00
Please note that we are few in number and our work doesn’t stop when the irises are blooming, so whilst we welcome visitors, all visits will be strictly during the published opening hours, or by appointment in accordance with the terms set out above, and the gardens will shut to visitors when the iris season closes.
Events and parties
We have created a stunning event space in the iris display garden, which can be hired as a venue for weddings and parties. Guests can enjoy an aperitif whilst exploring the terraces, lily pond and cascade, and then dine to the sound of gently splashing fountains under the wisteria pergola. We can put you in touch with local caterers and party planners. We welcome enquiries. For more details visit our rentals website at Casanovaumbria.eu.
