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Irene was born to a native Arizonan in Arizona in 1921. She in turn gave birth in Arizona to Don Wood – founder of Tierra Madre Landscape Services, Inc. How incredible to think about the growth she and her family have seen in the Valley over the last 100 years!
She spent many years as a beauty salon owner in Central Phoenix puttering in her city greenhouse for fun and relaxation. In 1981, when she and her husband Stanley moved to rural north Phoenix near Happy Valley Road and 10th Avenue, she was able to spread her gardener’s wings over 5 acres. Irene remembers signing the contract for $11,000 – they are happy they made the investment!
She began experimenting with seeds found from the saguaros on her property – taking many years to discover the secrets of growing these majestic Sonoran cacti. She learned to protect the seedlings from crickets and birds with plastic; which also served to create a damp environment for the 5 day sprouting period for the future giants. Irene grows the saguaros in pots watering them one time a week until they mature and then watering only one time a month for steady growth. She is truly amazed to see how such small seeds become such giants – especially when their average growth rate is one inch per year!
We honor Irene as the inspiration for Don Wood’s love of desert landscaping and for her patience and willingness to share what she has learned about growing saguaros.
Let's Get Personal
Irene married Stan Wood in November of 1940. They have three children, Don, Bill and Carol; 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Stan and Irene have had the good fortune to travel frequently throughout the continental Unites States (especially taking train trips) and they’ve been to Alaska, Hawaii and Europe. Stan loves music and after all these years, she is very proud of the fact that Stan still plays the guitar at the Adult Center in Paradise Valley two times a month.
Besides growing saguaros – Irene loves Pinochle. She teaches and plays at the Beuf Community Center two times a week. Well into her 80’s she finds time to enjoy life – gardening and being with family and friends.
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