Giardino dell'Iris, Botanical garden at Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy.

The Giardino dell'Iris is a botanical garden on a sloping olive grove at the corner of Viale dei Colli and Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. It holds more than 1,500 iris varieties, including past winners of the Premio Firenze, displayed during the annual competition. Tall cypresses rise on the right, a dark red-leafed tree stands at the lower left, and a paved path runs diagonally on the lower right.

The garden was founded in 1954 to host international iris competitions and honor Florence's long connection to this flower. Since then it has remained a center for iris research and cultivation.

The iris has been Florence's emblem since 1251, and the garden's Premio Firenze competition, first awarded in 1957, pursues a scarlet iris matching the red lily on the city's coat of arms. Guelphs reversed the white lily of the Ghibellines after taking power in the Middle Ages, and that red lily does not occur in nature. Each year new seedlings are judged on hardiness, beauty and colour.

The garden is entered from the east side of Piazzale Michelangelo and is open daily without charge from May 2 to 20. The terrain slopes upward through olive groves, so allow time to walk the grounds. Irises are judged in the Premio Firenze competition, with past winners kept on display.

A reflecting pond displays a collection of aquatic iris varieties rarely seen in other gardens. These special plants thrive near water and create a quiet contrast to the dry beds covering the slope.