Monty Don has paid an emotional tribute to David J.C. Austin, the chairman of David Austin Roses and longtime Gardeners' World contributor, who has died at his Shropshire home aged 67 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and incurable neurological condition.
The 71-year-old presenter, who knew Austin through the BBC show's long partnership with the rose-growing family, wrote on Instagram: "I am so sorry to hear this. My regards and condolences to all his family. But what legacy he leaves - millions of exquisite roses that will live on for so many, enriching all our lives."
“Monty Don leads tributes after Gardeners' World rose expert David J.C. Austin dies aged 67 from rare neurological disease.”
Austin's death was announced on the official David Austin Roses page, with a statement reading: "It is with great sadness that we announce that David J.C. Austin has died at his Shropshire home, surrounded by his family. He had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and incurable neurological condition."
His children Richard, James and Olivia added: "First and foremost, Dad was a gardener. That was at the heart of who he was. He carried our grandfather's vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility, always putting the roses, the family business and its people before himself. He was kind and modest, with a playful spirit, a sense of adventure and a real enjoyment of life. He faced his illness with the same courage and dignity that he brought to life. Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn't be more proud of him."
Austin and his roses were a fixture on Gardeners' World, with experts regularly appearing on the programme, in its magazine and at live events. The show's magazine wrote: "We're so very sorry to hear this. Sending our love to you all."
Zoe Ball, who has appeared on the BBC's RHS Chelsea Flower Show coverage, commented: "Sending love and condolences to the Austin family. Heartbreaking news." The Royal Horticultural Society added: "We're deeply saddened by this news. Sending love and condolences to the Austin family."
David J.C. Austin was the grandson of rose breeder David C.H. Austin, who founded the company. He leaves behind a legacy of millions of roses that continue to enrich gardens worldwide.
