The Italian Iris Society (SIDI) was formed on 12^th March 1959 for the main scope of managing the Iris Garden of Piazzale Michelangelo, which was inaugurated in 1957. It was conceived to host the First International Iris Competition, started by the Florence Council in 1954 and the Competition has now reached its 52^ndedition.
Various initiatives have accompanied the life of the Society over the course of the years. Among the most prestigious was the organisation of the 'First International Iris Symposium' in 1963, in which the most famous botanists of the age took part.
The Society has collaborated with the Dept. of Vegetable Biology at 'La Sapienza' University in Rome, taking part in meetings and seminars, since 1997. In 1998, the Society worked with 'La Sapienza' University in Rome and The Lynnean Society in London to promote the International Conference 'Iris and Iridacae: diversity and systematics', which took place at the Botanic Garden in Rome. It was organised by Prof. M. A. Colasante and among the many participants who were welcomed to the Iris Garden at Piazzale Michelangelo were G. Rodionenko, St. Petersburg, B. Mathew, England and M. Blazek, Cechoslovakia. In 2006 the Society organised in Florence the 'Second International Iris Symposium-Hybrids & Iris'

The Society has taken part in shows and specialised events concerning plants and gardening - Tuttogiardino, The Plant and Flower Show of the Tuscan Horticultural Society.
The Society organises shows, hybridisation courses, courses for judges and guided visits to the Iris Garden.

FIORE DI MAGGIO, Mauro Bertuzzi (Italia)
PREMIO RORA E LUCIANO BAUSI 2006

• to organise the International Iris Competition annually and to look after the cultivation of the Irises sent by the hybridisers throughout the world 

• to foster knowledge of the Iris, its genetic improvement and the diffusion of the Iris family in its varied and very numerous species

• to collaborate with authorities and similar associations in Italy and abroad for exchanges and common initiatives 

• to encourage and assist publications whether of a technical-scientific or popular nature