For years we have tried to make it to the High Sierra Iris and Wedding Garden during May, when the multi-colored irises are at their peak and the garden is open to the public. This year we finally made it – and it was well worth the wait. The gardens were indeed spectacular, with irises of all colors lined up on terraces above the main garden area, along with many other blooming plants throughout the gardens.
As the name suggests, the High Sierra Iris and Wedding Garden is also a wedding venue. We checked out the ceremony and gathering area so that we know what we’re talking about when we recommend it to guests who are looking for a larger wedding location. According to Nancy, the warm and welcoming owner, their capacity is 165 people and they typically book weddings a year in advance. However, if you are dreaming of a wedding in May when the irises are blooming, it’s more like two years.
But you don’t have to attend a wedding to visit the garden in May – they open it to the public every day–except Saturdays, when weddings are held–and you are free to wander at your leisure. When we visited on a quiet Thursday afternoon in early May, we had the entire garden to ourselves. They also sell irises in case you are inspired to start your own garden at home.
The drive to the garden winds through several miles of forest-lined road, and this time of year, the oaks are leafing out with brilliant green leaves, the conifers are bursting with fresh new growth, and the dogwoods are in bloom. It’s a gorgeous time of year to take a drive out through Camino and Apple Hill to get to the garden.
You pass Lava Cap Winery on the way, so we decided to stop there on the way back to do some wine tasting. The weather that day reminded us of why we love it here so much – temps in the high 70s, light breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. It was a perfect day to sample wines on Lava Cap’s scenic and comfortable deck.
If you are visiting Reverie Retreat in May, we highly recommend adding a visit to the High Sierra Iris and Wedding Garden to your itinerary, and why not stop to do some wine tasting as well? That’s a very fine afternoon right there.
