Calwest Tropical Supply

Since it’s about an hour drive from my home, I have never visited Calwest Tropical Supply. I have been a mail-​order customer for about 10 years. Originally they were great, then they went way downhill, then they changed ownership and moved and now they are more WONDERFUL than ever. If you were a disappointed previous customer, you will be happy to know that they are now the very best around. The new owner, John, really knows his stuff and cares passionately about making orchid customers happy.
Since it’s mainly mailorder, the shop is not much to look at, but it’s jam packed full of everything an orchid grower could ever hope for. John showed me around for over half an hour and showed me things I had never seen before. He says he’s constantly looking for new and innovative items to add to his inventory. I’m excited.
The current store is located near Sacramento, CA and is in back of a large and wonderful place called The Greenhouse Garden Supply. This is a more walk-​in type store with a fabulous selection of indoor/​outdoor/​greenhouse/​hydroponic supplies. Between the two, there is probably nothing for growing stuff that you couldn’t find. I could have easily spent a couple of hours being amazed by all the cool stuff they have. John gave me the grand tour of both places. He was wonderful and the people in the front store were wonderful too.
If I were still a mail-​order customer, I would be delighted to know that my old favorite orchid supply store is back and better than ever. Now that I’m a walk-​in customer, I’m even more delighted. I felt like Alice in Wonderland.