By Andrew Macdonald
Walter Downey wants to spend more time in his welding shop, located in a building at his nursery, Downey’s Pitcher Garden Centre in Chester.
In Part III, we feature his welding shop. He is, after all, a machinist by trade and only self-taught in garden nursery operations. He moved to Chester from Newfoundland in 1979, and went to work for Hawbolt Industry.
He makes his own metal flower hanging baskets, and also 911 civic property markers, the latter selling for $70. One year, he made 5,000 ‘for sale’ signs for the real estate firm Engel & Volkers.
Chester garden centre operator Walter Downey also dabbles in welding and is shown with his popular seller, a 911 civic property sign, which he retails for $70. The Notebook
He retails his products at the garden centre, which opened in 1991, while hanging baskets retail for $35.
Chester’s Downey Pitcher Nursery operator Walter Downey also welds his own flower hanging baskets, which retail for $35. The Notebook
He has made many of the machinist tools. “We jig everything,” he adds.
Chester’s Walter Downey made this stunning gated fence for a Chester mansion. Downey also operates Downey’s Pitcher Garden Centre in Chester. Contributed photo
His best seller is the civic sign property holder, and while it retails for $70, he says, “I did not want to put a big price on it, I feel everyone should have it.”
The civic sign has a slot for the blue 911 civic number. “It’s just too cool.”
Chester’s Waler Downey Pitcher Garden Nursery hosts a welding shop shown here. The Notebook
