Watson’s Flowers began in 1927 when Irene Watson started selling flowers grown in her home garden. Soon it expanded to door-to-door sales after she bought 5000 rose bushes. The business grew quickly. With a need to expand, Irene and husband Charles purchased an 18-acre farm “out in the country,” just west of the Tempe Canal on the Mesa-Tempe Road. Federal Highways 60-70 and 80 ran in front of the property. They converted an old gas station into a flower shop. 

After nearly three decades with a hand painted sign, they could finally afford to erect a monumental 30-foot figural neon sign executed by legendary sign maker, Paul Millet. A 2014 windstorm blew the sign against the building. It was stored flat for five years, until the Johnson family, owners of Watson’s donated it to the Mesa Preservation Foundation in 2019.

Now restored to its original glory, it remains a reminder of the past for future generations to enjoy.