ID please - Some sort of flag?

That looks like a phormium to me. Not sure which one though.

 

Would definitely like to see flowers open before attempting id. Sorry.

 

Blast! Its a 4 hour drive each way

Seen at Compton Acres, Poole, Dorset

www.comptonacres.co.uk

I put my picture here:
http://kgarden.wordpress.com/english-garden-visits/compton-acres-garden/

Well worth a visit

 

Iris foetidissima in bud? Although it does have a somewhat more exotic sheen to it.

 

Don't think so, as they stand more erect I reckon.

 

Iris foetidissima in bud?

This can be ruled out. The flowers are normally never taller than the leaves.
Often flowers are short and buried in the leaves..as in your pic Madahhlia.

Kristens pic shows a very strong flowering stalk, which towers high over the leaves.

 

I'm with JJ (or close) on this one. The foliage displays none of the fan type growth associated with Iridaceae.

 

That was what attracted me as I think that will make it look spectacular when in flower. Is there anything else like that, if not identical, which gives similar impact to what my photo looks like it will become?

 

I'd go with Phormium.

It looks identical to my ones which are at the same stage at the mo'.

(But could be Beschorneria, but I don't think so.)

 

I would expect the leaves at the centre of the clump to be properly upright for Phormium?

 

The flower buds emerge rather earlier in the arching stem of Beschorneria.

Young leaves are upright, older leaves lax.
Phormium cookianium is less common in the wild than the other NZ species, but very lax...............

 

Sadly not got that opportunity, its a garden 4 hours drive from here :(

Anyone in the Dorset / Poole area could go and have a look for me its a lovely garden

Compton Acres http://www.comptonacres.co.uk/

EDIT: Actually their promotional video is quite good (a bit "marketing-y")
http://www.comptonacres.co.uk/the-gardens/video/index.php