Southwest Gardens was started in 1989 by Cary West. Cary first developed his love for plants while attending high school at Denver's North High. As a lab assistant he was in charge of setting up labs for the  North High School which had a small greenhouse on the roof that provided plants the class needed for their scientific experiments. This is where he was introduced to the plant world, in particular Orchids. This is also where he received his first Orchid plant (a gift from his teacher), which he still has to this day.

    After graduating in 1967 Cary would frequent local flower shops and greenhouses fueling his interest. As time passed he gained a real passion for Cacti and Succulents, but was having a hard time finding the varieties he liked. He decided he would start his own greenhouse and help supply other greenhouses with these hard to find items, so he founded West Wholesale Greenhouse located in Wheat Ridge Colorado. As his business increased Cary quickly outgrew his space, but he needed a bigger facility in order to share his love of plants with you. He wanted to stay in Wheat Ridge and after a brief search he found his new home at 4114 Harlan, and  Southwest Gardens was born.