A Passion for Irises Is Now a Profession
Steve and Karen Torneo carved out a flat half-acre of space from the property that surrounds their Yorba Linda home to start a farm . . . an iris farm. At Bryant Ranch Gardens, they grow several hundred plants and irises in more than 200 colors, many of which were a gift from a busy friend.
Steve is an attorney for First American Title Insurance Co. in Santa Ana, and Karen is a kindergarten teacher at Bryant Ranch Elementary School in Yorba Linda. When they’re not working for others, they’re working on the farm. The couple sells cut flowers to florists in the spring and the rhizomes to gardeners from late July through September for $2 to $6. Irises in containers cost $10 to $12. The garden is open to the public by appointment on weekends. Call (714) 692-1677 or e-mail brgarden27@aol.com.
This is Steve’s story.
“We started out as fans of the iris, but now it has become a business. This is our way to spread irises to others.
“My wife and I have always been very interested in gardening, and over our 23-year marriage, we have collected several varieties of irises. My mother-in-law, Gloria Hanlon, and Karen’s sister, Kathy Klatt, and her husband, Don, share our love of gardening.
“A good friend of ours also collected different varieties, but he’s a dentist in private practice and he found that he didn’t have the time to take care of them. He gave us his in containers.
“Creation of the farm took a lot of hard work and labor, but irises take very little care. We began the farm in 1996, but did not actually produce anything for sale until 1997. I cut terraces into a slope, installed irrigation and planted all the iris.
“One rewarding aspect of having the farm is that we’ve turned a hobby, or something we do for fun and enjoyment, into a business that pays for itself.
“Irises are beautiful flowers that are drought-tolerant and very hardy. They come in many different colors and several types and sizes. We grow primarily Bearded and Spuria. They are a great addition to one’s garden.
“The rhizomes are easily transplanted. They can be divided and moved to a different location where they will multiply and bloom for many years.”
* “Been There, Done That” is a recurring feature in Saturday’s Home Design section that highlights how our readers accomplish their home and garden projects. If you wish to share your experiences--or, even to brag a little--call (714) 966-7883. Or send photographs along with your name and phone number to Home Design, The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or e-mail ocsocalliv@latimes.com.
