🌸 A Floral Visionary in Granger: Wallace Toma and His Blooming Legacy 🌸
Wally’s Flower Shop – 3807 South Redwood Road
More than 60 years ago, a bright new addition blossomed in the heart of Granger—Wally’s Flower Shop, a modern greenhouse and floral center that became one of the true showplaces of the southwest Salt Lake Valley.
The visionary behind it all was Wallace “Wally” Toma, a gifted floriculturist born in Hawaii and raised in Pasadena, California. Wally brought with him a wealth of experience, having taught at UCLA and worked in the floral industry with an expert’s eye and an artist’s heart. After moving to Salt Lake City in 1945, he saw opportunity in the valley—and began building something beautiful.
In November 1962, construction began on one of the first plastic greenhouses in the Intermountain West, a groundbreaking concept at the time. By the time the facility opened at 3807 South Redwood Road, it spanned 25,000 square feet of growing and work space. But Wally’s vision didn’t stop there.
Plans were soon underway to add a massive aluminum structure measuring 40’ x 214’, which would include:
A refrigerated section
A bulb cellar
A creative garden center
Over 20,000 additional square feet of space
When completed, the total facility would cover nearly 100,000 square feet—an ambitious undertaking with one purpose: to create a one-stop garden center for florists, growers, chain stores, and everyday flower lovers.
Jay B. once said of the shop, “If you are one of the many flower lovers in the area, I suggest you visit Wally’s greenhouse. Wallace Toma is the owner and invites individuals or groups to tour the plant.”
Wally’s contributions extended far beyond petals and planters. He was deeply involved in the Granger community and active in countywide efforts to beautify and serve the region. His work wasn’t just about selling flowers—it was about growing a stronger, more vibrant neighborhood.
His wife, Mildred Toma, was also a talented floral designer and went on to establish Mildred’s Flowers, further cementing the family’s name as one of dedication, artistry, and local pride.
The original shop on 3300 South in East Millcreek laid the foundation, but it was Granger that became home to their dream—a floral haven where beauty, craftsmanship, and community could bloom together.
Today, though the original greenhouse may be gone, the memory of Wally Toma’s flower shop remains a fragrant and lasting part of our area’s history.
🌿 A life built on growth, beauty, and giving back to the place he called home.
