Paramount Orchids?

[FairyInTheFlowers]

I know in the past others and myself have had not so great experiences with Paramount Orchids when they were situated in Calgary. I'm curious to know if things have changed since they moved to Vancouver. I've had people tell me that there's great plants when you go there and pick them in person (while still in Calgary), but I definitely had the experience of them sending the worst of the lot when I ordered via mail. Although the prices are a bit high, they have a decent list of complex Oncidiums, so I want to know if it's worth spending the money on them. I really don't want to get some pathetic plants if I'm spending $30 per plant.

[stonedragonfarms]

I've ordered from them in the past (2014 was the last time), but since they are no longer shipping to the US, I can't give more recent insight. That being said, all of the plants in my order (mostly Den. speciosum, speciosum hybrids & Sarcochilus) were very nice and of good quality. It's too bad they are no longer shipping outside of Canada; there are a few Cattleya hybrids on their current list that I'd love to add to my benches.
Adam

[Ray]

Originally Posted by stonedragonfarms

I've ordered from them in the past (2014 was the last time), but since they are no longer shipping to the US, I can't give more recent insight. That being said, all of the plants in my order (mostly Den. speciosum, speciosum hybrids & Sarcochilus) were very nice and of good quality. It's too bad they are no longer shipping outside of Canada; there are a few Cattleya hybrids on their current list that I'd love to add to my benches.
Adam

Sounds lie it seems time for a weekend trip!

[Leafmite]

My advice is not to order from them until you feel confident that you will not be disappointed again. If you know anyone in the area where your vendor is, it might be worth asking them to go and choose some for you in return for you paying the shipping and cost of the orchids (or just taking a look at the orchids). Better yet, it would be great if others who have recent experience with this vendor would reply here and offer their opinions. Good luck whatever you decide!

[CZF]

I recently ordered from them, I would say my experience was 'ok'

My initial contact with them they made me feel like I was bothering them and too busy for my order. I was maybe being oversensitive and I (politely) suggested that I should maybe check elsewhere (not being sure if perhaps they are a larger operation and my small order was maybe not a big priority). At that point they sounded a bit more eager for my order and so I decided to go ahead with it. When I called them for payment the gentleman I spoke to was quite friendly and everything was fine from then on out.

The shipping was very expensive (I am in Ontario), but that was just the direct cost passed on from Canada Post, so beyond their control.

My plants were well packaged, arrived in 2 days.

I will say, the plants root systems were not great (I think they were due for a repot), but I think they will rebound with a bit of time, I'm not too worried about it. They are young plants and I'm not expecting blooms for a while anyway.

So all in all, it was an ok experience. They do have a nice selection of plants, albeit a bit expensive. I would consider a repeat order if I couldn't find what I was after anywhere else.