Background
We are delighted to be working with Claire and James Birch at Doddington. Also involved is Antony Jarvis, the previous owner, instrumental in introducing irises to the property forty years ago. Antony is a distinguished iris grower in his own right, the pioneer of the renowned ‘Doddington Method’ for iris division. This is now accepted by the RHS as the best method. Also, he is trialling the use of ‘Strulch’ for growing irises with incredible results (more later).
After my father, Bryan Dodsworth, died in 2009, Antony suggested we have some of his irises at Doddington and we planted an iris border. In the last five years James Birch, responsible for the restoration of the walled garden, suggested a much better site along the west wall.
New Iris Border
Work started in 2023
The border planted and flowering for the first time in May 2025
A year later we are looking forward to enjoying a spectacular display of over fifty varieties of Irises that will form the National Collection of ‘Tall Bearded Irises raised by Bryan Dodsworth’ with Doddington as its permanent home.
Planting
There are close on fifty varieties, and a few more to add in future. The irises are planted in blocks, and with gaps between each blocks. Admire these irises from different sides. Also, enjoy the form and structure of these Award Winning Irises which is a key characteristic of their breeding.
Something else to note is their clear, clean, colours. Bryan Dodsworth’s irises are largely of the same colour, known as ‘Selfs’, or shades of the same colour (‘Bi-Tones’). This allows the varieties to be blocked according to colour, allowing juxtaposition of plants to provide harmony or compatibility, as well as contrast. You can design your own colour palette with these irises – they are so versatile.
Learn more about Bryan Dodsworth and the National Collection[INSERT LINK]
Visiting
The irises are going to be spectacular this year and are well worth a visit.
Doddington is twenty miles north of Lincoln, off the A46. Check out the Doddington website for visiting arrangements. You need to be quick as the irises are flowering early this year. A combination of the recent warm weather, refracted heat from the west-facing wall and the strulch mulch has all helped.
