In Chailey, East Sussex, there is a farm that specialises in bearded irises. And what wonderful beauties they are.

This photo demonstrates how the bearded lily gets its name, with it’s hairy appearance.

May brings some wonderful shows of irises, not least at the National Trust property at Wakehurst Place, where we love to admire the beautiful lily garden.

A visit to any National Trust garden isn’t complete, of course, without having tea or lunch.  Although they’re not quite up to the standard of years ago when everything was home-made, you can still get a nice snack at all the gardens I’ve visited.