Discover “Plantas Distintas”, the Iris World
They are the only specialist iris nursery in Spain. Christine Lomer and Nick Brown have a mission: to offer a truly internacional selection of irises which there aren’t available in Europe. Iris in pots are available for collection only in a months of the year. In Marnes, where they have this place, the conditions are perfect for this plant and the couple don’t need to water it, only water the new plantings in September if there isn’t rainfalls.
This “secret garden” is not just iris garden, also they have collections of salvias, buddlejas and species pelargoniums, which you can buy and take away in pots. Plantas Distintas is a little bit of paradise on earth and we invite you to come and enjoy the views of the mountain landscape, the iris blooming season and the peaceful gardens.
By the end of April and early May, the garden has more or less 10000 irises in flower and hundreds of roses too, with wafting perfumes and panoramic views. The Garden in 2013 is open from 24th March until 31st May, from 9-7pm. The entry is only a donation of €3.00 per person, children free. Also you can come by car and park in their carpark.
How to find them?
- Locate BENISSA which is almost halfway between Valencia and Alicante on the N332.
- Exit motorway A7, E15 at Benissa.
- Take first right into Benissa, go straight through the town on N332 in the direction of Calpe.
- As you leave the town turn right , signposted to Jalon/Xalo,
- At next junction turn right and immediately left to Pinos / Bernia on CV749.
- Wind up the mountain to Pinos approx 7kms and past the restaurant Pinos. After a few more bends, after a blue bridge turn immediately right up a tarmac road signposted to Marnes.
- Follow this road for approximately 2km and you will find the iris garden on the left.