Goldner Walsh Nursery History: 50 years and growing
The Legend
Al
Goldner (1918-2003), a native Detroiter, was educated in Dearborn, graduated from
Michigan State University with a degree in floriculture and attended Ohio State
University doing graduate work. After WWII he returned to the Detroit area to manage
Regner’s Nursery in Dearborn in 1947. He then was hired by the J.L. Hudson
Company in downtown Detroit as the garden buyer. During his five-year employment,
Al was instrumental in the development of Hudson’s Garden Center at the “new”
Northland Shopping Center.
Goldner-Walsh, Inc. (named after Al Goldner and his wife Jean Walsh) opened its doors on Telegraph and 12 mile in 1953 on the at 7/8ths acre plat of land (today the home of Wendy’s restaurant). Al Goldner, a true pioneer and gentleman farmer was an innovator in the landscape industry of Michigan. He introduced the concept of combining classical and timeless design enhanced with the selection of premiere and hard to find plant material. Al Goldner’s creativity combined with his exceptional horticultural expertise set the foundation of our design philosophy that Goldner Walsh Nursery is nationally recognized for today. Many of his original landscapes continue to beautify many of this areas finest estates.
Original shop and office on Telegraph Rd - 1976
Al believed that traveling the world visiting gardens broadened the mind. He brought inspiring ideas from other countries into his landscape designs. Touring America, Al developed relationships with many small nursery suppliers who allowed him to hand pick new varieties of plants. Often, he would drive the plants back to Michigan himself because shipping was not available. Those adventures resulted in keeping Goldner Walsh on the cutting edge of the horticultural world and introducing many new plants to this area.
Goldner Walsh then moved in 1980 to the historic landmark buildings previously known as Pierce Floral Company dating back to 1890. This company is recorded as being one of the largest cut flower production greenhouses in the Midwest prior to 1900. This facility had been neglected for over 15 years before it was acquired by the Goldners, and it required ambition and vision to bring one of Michigan’s significant historical gems back to life. This facility marks the longest continuous operating business in the City of Pontiac.
Today's front entries to greenhouses and garden center
on Orchard Lake Rd.
The site of Goldner Walsh Nursery’s current location (originally the Pearce Floral Company, established in 1890) was first used as a 9-1/2 acre holding place for trees and shrubs for landscape installations. Mr. Goldner used the greenhouses to grow his legendary and exotic orchid collection.
Eventually in 1982, Tim Travis, Goldner Walsh Nursery’s new operations and general manager began developing the retail business. In 1988, Tim Travis and Jim Slezinski, Senior Landscape Designer, purchased the company from the Goldners.
Goldner Walsh Nursery – Today
Goldner Walsh Nursery, Inc., is a full-service landscape, nursery, greenhouse and garden center. We are nationally known for the highest quality and unique plant material, award-winning landscape services, experienced staff, gardening and horticultural speaker events, and exquisite garden accents. Located in the historic district of Pontiac, we are situated on a 9-1/2 acre serene, park-like nursery setting including The Garden Center, 14 greenhouses and the original florist shop.