Irisa Green
Irisa D. (Flowers) Green is the founder of Sunstone Garden LLC and an avid gardener. In 2015, Irisa fully embraced the horticultural nature of her name and committed herself to fostering connections between individuals and nature. She initially began her journey as a gardener, gaining experience through both employment and volunteer opportunities at Millcreek Metroparks Fellows Riverside Gardens. Subsequently, she pursued advanced education through the Ohio State University Extension.
Through Sunstone, Irisa helps gardeners with physical limitations by providing both physical and therapeutic support. This assistance extends their gardening activities by three to five years. In 2020, she created the area’s first mobile garden for hands-on horticultural enrichment. Irisa provides garden services focused on consultation and design, creating eco-friendly spaces. Her approach blends intention with nature to promote sustainability and enhance biodiversity. On April 27, 2023, the Western Reserve Port Authority and WRTA recognized Sunstone for its entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic in the Mahoning Valley.
Irisa is a dedicated Rotarian in her hometown concentrating on the seventh area of focus, which is “Supporting the Environment.” Irisa, the Environmental Committee Chair of Struthers Rotary, leads community projects that connect people with nature including mobile garden demonstrations for the Rotary Youth Summer Arts Camp and a Story Trail at Mauthe Park. She also initiates the Pollinator Pathway Project, complete with a brochure and interactive map of local pollinator gardens in the Mahoning Valley. As a member of The Garden Club of Ohio and a former president of the Mahoning River Garden Club, she promotes volunteerism in the community. In 2023, Struthers became an America in Bloom city, and Irisa is committed to generating support for the initiative.
In her spare time, Irisa cultivates a variety of plants, including dahlias, gladiolus, and herbs, suitable for cutting and crafting. She supplies locals with native species from her greenhouse. With a deep fascination for historical home and garden techniques, she embarks on journeys to discover and study these traditional practices. She delves into how they can be adapted and revitalized in today’s world, blending the wisdom of the past with modern living. Irisa finds time for her passion for reading and writing by nature-based freelance writing, producing quotes, and garden-themed fiction writing and illustration meant to invoke feelings reminiscent of the warmth of basking in the sun.
As an advisor for America in Bloom, Irisa will continue fostering creative ways to connect people with nature both at the local and national level.
