Get ready to dive headfirst into a world of vibrant colours and pure floral joy! In the picturesque countryside of the Netherlands, several charming farms open their gates, inviting you to embrace the delightful ritual of picking your very own irises.

The Pure Pleasure of Picking Your Own Irises!

Imagine a sunny Dutch afternoon, a gentle breeze rustling through rows of majestic irises standing tall and proud. Forget the rush of the supermarket; here, you’re the discerning artist, selecting each bloom with intention and a happy heart. Strolling through the fields, you’re surrounded by a kaleidoscope of purples, blues, yellows, whites, and even captivating bi-colours. Will you pick a dramatic deep violet, a cheerful sunshine yellow, or a delicate sky blue? The choice is entirely yours!

This isn’t just about collecting flowers; it’s an experience. The satisfying snip of the shears, the gentle fragrance carried on the wind, the sound of bees buzzing happily – it’s a mini-escape from the everyday hustle. Bring your friends and make it a social outing, laughing as you compare your chosen bouquets. Or gather the family and watch the kids’ eyes light up as they discover the magic of nature, carefully selecting their favourite ‘swords’ of colour. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the land, create lasting memories, and leave with a truly personal treasure. You’ll not only take home a stunning bouquet but also a sense of accomplishment and a smile that lasts long after the car ride home.

Bringing the Bloom Indoors: Decoration Ideas

Once you’ve returned home with your magnificent haul of hand-picked irises, it’s time to let their natural beauty shine! Remember, while irises are breathtaking, their petals and other parts are generally not suitable for consumption. So, let’s focus on showcasing them safely and beautifully:

  1. Classic Grandeur: Arrange a generous bunch of irises of varying heights in a tall, elegant vase. Their striking vertical lines make a dramatic statement in any room, instantly adding a touch of sophistication.
  2. Colour Pop Trio: Pick three different coloured irises and place each in a slender, individual bud vase. Arrange them together on a mantelpiece or side table for a vibrant, modern display that highlights each bloom’s unique charm.
  3. Nature’s Basket: Combine your irises with some lush green foliage (perhaps some ferns or eucalyptus from your garden) in a wide-mouthed basket or rustic pot. This creates a natural, cottage-core vibe perfect for a kitchen island or entryway.
  4. Floating Beauty: For a touch of serene elegance, snip the heads off a few iris blooms and let them float gently in a shallow decorative bowl filled with water. Add a few floating candles for an evening display that’s truly enchanting.
  5. Gift of Grace: Bundle a smaller selection of irises together, tie them with a simple ribbon or twine, and present them as a thoughtful, hand-picked gift to a friend or neighbour. It’s a gesture that speaks volumes!

A Sophisticated Sip: The “Orris Bloom Gin Fizz”

While the beautiful iris flowers you pick are for admiring and decorating, the iris plant has a fascinating secret: the root of certain iris species (specifically Iris germanica, known as orris root) has been historically used in perfumes and, most notably, as a key botanical in the production of many fine gins! Orris root imparts a delicate, earthy, and often violet-like floral note, acting as a fixative for other aromas. So, let’s craft a cocktail that celebrates the sophisticated essence of the iris.

The “Orris Bloom Gin Fizz”

This cocktail uses gin (which often contains orris root) and elderflower, another lovely floral note, to create a refreshing and elegant drink that perfectly complements the beauty of your freshly picked irises.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Gin (choose a good quality gin, many contain orris root like Hendrick’s or The Botanist)
  • ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ½ oz Elderflower Liqueur (e.g., St-Germain)
  • ¼ oz Simple Syrup (optional, adjust to taste if you prefer it sweeter)
  • 1 Egg White (optional, for a silky texture and frothy top)
  • Club Soda or Sparkling Water
  • Garnish: A lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint (Do NOT use iris petals, as they are not for consumption!)

Instructions:

  1. Dry Shake (Optional but Recommended): If using an egg white, combine the gin, lemon juice, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds WITHOUT ice. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a beautiful foam.
  2. Wet Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
  3. Strain: Double strain (using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve) into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice. This removes any small ice chips and ensures a smooth, frothy top.
  4. Top: Top generously with club soda or sparkling water.
  5. Garnish: Garnish with a elegant lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint.
  6. Sip and Enjoy: Place your freshly picked iris bouquet nearby and enjoy this beautiful drink, appreciating the hidden floral notes inspired by the magnificent iris!