Peter Byrne, whose career was devoted to large-scale propagation of ornamental plants, has died, in August, following a period of illness. He was 64.
He spent most of his working life at Bordon Hill Nurseries, Stratford upon Avon, joining WJ Findon & Son, who owned it at the time, in 1986. He continued at the nursery as its general manager, and later as a director, after the business was sold to Ball Horticulture in 2007, until his retirement three years ago.
Ball Colegrave managing director Sandy Shepherd described Peter as “a truly inspirational industry figure who drove innovation throughout the sector from its very hands-on infancy to the high-tech automated industry we now have.” He played a large part in industry trade associations and working bodies, particularly as a member of various technical committees and in guiding research projects.
“Peter was well-known not only in the UK, but internationally and was a great contributor to the Ball organisation in many parts of the world,” said Mr Shepherd. “He had great technical ability combined with the sense and feel for creating an ideal growing environment.
“He was a truly outstanding manager and great communicator, who understood what made people at all levels tick.”
Gardening was one of Peter’s great passions. “He liked nothing better than being able to prepare a meal from everything he had grown,” said Mr Shepherd. More recently that extended to raising vegetable plants during lockdown to raise funds for a local foodbank.
Peter is survived by his wife Diane, two children and three grandchildren.