INTERVIEW / 13
’m fascinated by passionate people. People who persevere, who ignore the naysayers and the begrudgers and overcome challenges in the pursuit of what they believe. Dynamic people with seemingly unending energy, determination and enthusiasm. How could you not be fascinated by such people? They are the drivers of innovation and change. Philip Moreau works in a garden centre in Limerick. He’s helping the owners develop the business. He also does some lecturing to year four horticulture students in Limerick University and is currently considering a variety of exciting future options for his career. Up until a couple of years ago Philip was the owner and operator of Glenbrook Nurseries, one of Ireland’s most successful plant producers and exporters. Having gone into receivership, Glenbrook is now up for sale. Rather than the end of a story, the closing of Glenbrook is merely the completion of another chapter and the commencement of another. I first interviewed Philip Moreau over a decade ago for Horticulture and Landscape Ireland. I was finding my feet at the time and seeking out people of passion and knowledge to help shape my understanding of the sector. I was directed to speak to Philip. He didn’t let me down. In fact, he had such an impact on me that when Horticulture Connected was launched, he was the first person I turned to for a second interview. He was the only person I ever interviewed twice. When I heard of Glenbrook’s closing I was saddened but also cautiously hopeful. Having had several opportunities to speak with Philip over the years I knew the closing of the business must surely be the start of something new. Despite me hassling him over the year I was delighted that he agreed to speak with me once again, but some context first. Philip has been involved in the production and sale of plants since his early teens. Having made a profit selling off his first crop - the seeds being purchased with his pocket money and cultivated in the back garden of his family home - he was hooked. After graduating from the National Botanic Gardens, he moved to Cork where he maintained a four acre garden, producing vegetables for several local hotels. Although he had grand plans for an African adventure, a number of things conspired to keep him in Ireland. After a short and unsuccessful move to Waterford, he returned to Cork to work for the County Council but was soon offered a position of nursery manager at McLysaghts, where he spent the next 11 years. With the help of his friend and neighbour, Paul Brooks, he established Glenbrook in 1990.
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HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticulture.ie / Winter 2017
BARRY LUPTON INTERVIEWS PHILIP MOREAU
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
I
NO REGRETS
While I want to understand the story behind Glenbrook’s closing, I’m genuinely more curious about what you have planned for the next Moreau chapter. Can you let us in on your plans? At this point of time I have not really come up with a plan for the future. However, I am involved in the running of Busy Bee Garden Centre on the Ennis Road, Limerick. There is a great deal of work necessary to bring it up to standard and we are putting up a covered area in the back and refurbishing the display area. This task will take me through the winter and into spring. From there I have no great plans, a few ideas but nothing concrete. I must say working in the garden centre has given me a great insight into the other part of the industry. It is amazing how the public have very much their own individual demands in terms of plants, pots, accessories etc. It is a very difficult task to cater for and stock the right items for sale. What you like may not be pleasing to the customer. One aspect I really enjoy is giving advice and talking about the plants, their origins and general needs. The banter one can have with the customers is great. Light hearted chat is good for the heart.
