BBC Two Northern Ireland

Carol Klein's Plant Odysseys

Carol Klein

Carol Klein's Plant Odysseys: Episode 3: Iris

Factual: Homes & Gardens

Iris

Episode 3

Episode 3: Iris

BBC Two - Carol Klein's Plant Odysseys, Iris

Carol discovers the intricate biology of the iris flower and its cultural significance.

Series exploring the history of four garden plants. Carol discovers the intricate biology of the iris flower and its cultural significance to mankind over thousands of years.

The third leg of Carol's odyssey takes her on a journey from England to Turkey, to Italy and home again, discovering the intricate biology of the iris flower and its cultural significance to mankind over thousands of years. Carol takes a close-up look into the intimate relationship between bees and irises and, under the guidance of an evolutionary plant biologist, uses an endoscopic camera to reveal how an insect with UV vision sees each iris flower. 

Carol travels to mainland Europe, learning of the importance of some iris species in the funeral traditions of Islam and the use of irises in perfume manufacture in Florence. Discover how a 'beard' changed this beautiful flower's fortunes in horticulture, and why such a peculiar adaptation arose. In England, Carol meets with an iris enthusiast rebuilding the famed collection of Cedric Morris. She learns how the famous artwork of this painter extended beyond brush and canvas and into the realms of iris.

BBC Two

BBC Two is a TV channel that started broadcasting on the 20th April 1964.

BBC 2

BBC2

BBC Two is a lively channel of depth and substance, carrying a range of knowledge-building programming complemented by great drama, comedy and arts.

Carol Klein explores the inner secrets and botanical history of four garden plants.

Four-part series in which Carol Klein explores the inner secrets and botanical history of four of our favourite garden plants: the rose, the tulip, the iris and the water lily.

BBC Two Scotland

Until 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales (analogue) was known simply as BBC Two Wales. BBC Two Wales (digital) was BBC 2W. From 03/01/2009 BBC Two Wales schedules on both analogue and digital became identical

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Carol Klein's Plant Odysseys

Episode 3: Iris

Contributors

Genres

Series

BBC Two Northern Ireland

About BBC Two