WHEN mother-of-two Amanda Brady wrote a public social media post about Birkdale flower seller Walter Graves she was astounded by the response. “I thought it would be seen by 30 or 40 of my friends,” she said. Instead the post had more than 2800 likes, 875 comments and 905 shares. “I didn’t realise how much the post was going to explode.” The Wellington Point travel agent had been slightly short of cash for her purchase, but Mr Graves said she could return later with the money. “I felt overwhelmed by his positivity and his trust that I would come back.” The 84-year-old from Liverpool dons a sombrero and sits in front of his house on Old Cleveland Road East to sell flowers and plants as a hobby a few days a week. He told Mrs Brady that sales were down from last year and she decided to return his good deed by telling others about him. Among the comments on Mrs Brady’s social media post were people who said Mr Graves made their day, was the best bloke ever and was a local legend. Mr Graves said he got pleasure from the response from most people. “I find Queensland people really friendly,” he said. “Some kids start waving and putting their thumbs up before they even get to me.” Mr Graves wife Valerie said they started the hobby about three years ago after her husband offered to help a former vendor, 92-year-old Bill, who had been selling flowers for about 40 years. It was not long before Bill decided to retire and introduced Mr and Mrs Graves to his suppliers. As retired financial advisers, who had been living at Birkdale for about two years, Mr and Mrs Graves thought it would be a nice way to meet people. “We agreed to try selling 15 bunches, splitting the money 50/50 between us and the people we got them from,” said Mrs Graves. It is now three years later and Mrs Graves said it was very rewarding for them. They have regular customers and the occasional person who shows extra appreciation for Mr Grave’s cheerful disposition. “One day a young fellow gave me $5. He said he didn’t want any flowers, but just wanted to give me the money because I do a great job,” Mr Graves said. Another man gave him $50 and refused anything in return. They have received Christmas cards, letters, Easter eggs and biscuits and even slushies on a hot day. Mrs Graves said her husband gets so much enjoyment from interacting with people from his roadside stool. “He’s keeping everybody happy and he’s keeping himself happy too.” She said getting a thumbs up or wave from people as they drove past was also a challenge. “He’s very competitive. He wants to make contact with every car that goes past.” The Graves get flowers in once a week and sell the plants together with their neighbours. They usually open on Thursday after school and during the day on Friday and Saturday. “If the sign is out, we have flowers,” Mrs Graves said. Redland City Bulletin