Westerlay Orchids partners with Por La Mar for new “Locally Grown” gardens initiative

Westerlay Orchids’ collaboration with the local nursery aims to centralize its supply chain as well as obtain a carbon-neutral footprint.


SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — In pursuit of Westerlay Orchids’ long-term goal to obtain a carbon-neutral footprint, the Carpinteria-based company has partnered with Santa Barbara-based Por La Mar Nursery to introduce “Locally Grown” gardens. The gardens offer a collaborative, artisanal mix of locally cultivated flora utilizing hometown resources to help minimize outbound freight from across the country. 

“As two multi-generational Santa Barbara businesses with deep roots in this community, we have always enjoyed a close relationship with Por La Mar Nursery,” says Westerlay Orchids Owner Toine Overgaag. “Recent discussions about how we can collaborate for the greater good led us to develop these gardens as a creative solution to centralize our live supply chain and help cut carbon emissions. The use of Por La Mar product in the Westerlay gardens will eliminate the trucking of similar plants from as far away as Florida, reducing our overall carbon footprint,”

Por La Mar Nursery production includes growth and distribution of Certified American Grown breeds such as gardenia, hydrangea, calla lilies, plus many seasonal bulbs and potted plants. Each features a broad selection of 2” or 4 foliage from Por La Mar Nursery, along with a Westerlay orchid selection in a variety of sizes and colors.

Discover new “Locally Grown” gardens, curated by Westerlay Orchids and Por La Mar Nursery, at Gelson’s Market (3305 State Street in Santa Barbara) and this spring at certain Albertson’s locations.

Visit www.WesterlayOrchids.com to learn more about the third-generation, family-run company.