Monty Don has paid an emotional tribute to late Gardeners’ World contributor David J.C. Austin.
The 71-year-old presenter has been left devastated after the chairman of David Austin Roses passed away at his home in Shropshire aged 67, after being diagnosed with incurable neurological condition, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
He 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.”
The Gardeners’ World presenter knew of Austin through his long partnership with the BBC show, as experts regularly appeared on the programme, as well as in the pages of its magazine and at live events.
The news was revealed on the official David Austin Roses page.
The statement read: “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 conodition.”
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.”
Zoe Ball, who has appeared on the BBC’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show coverage over the years, commented: “Sending love and condolences to the Austin family. Heartbreaking news.”
The Gardeners’ World magazine’s official account wrote: “We’re so very sorry to hear this. Sending our love to you all.”
And the Royal Horticultural Society added: “We’re deeply saddened by this news. Sending love and condolences to the Austin family.”
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