Ashgrove Iris Garden is a relaxed, pretty one acre country style garden

The iris garden is well established with most plantings more than 30 years old and six very large 80 plus year-old ash trees.

There are around 200 roses and mass planting of over 900 named varieties of bearded iris providing a lovely show of colour each spring. The iris area has recently undergone renovations and now includes plantings of climbing and shrub roses, hardy perennials and a selection of autumn flowering bulbs to provide year-round colour and interest. This year one third of the iris have also been dug, divided and replanted to rejuvenate the plants.

Focal points in the garden are used to great effect: a long lawn stretches to an elongated urn; a tiny summer house nestles among the trees and shrubs; David Austin roses encircle a classic water feature. A concrete rainwater tank has been boldly painted with a colourful art nouveau inspired mural of the four seasons in the garden.

The woodland-inspired section of the garden is delightfully cool and shady on a hot day. Espaliered fruit trees line the western fence, and chickens and ducks are used to control garden pests such as snails and grubs.

The garden owner was named ABC Gardening Australia Gardener of the Year in 2013.