David J.C. Austin, the chairman of David Austin Roses and a longtime contributor to Gardeners' World, has died at the age of 67. He passed away at his home in Shropshire after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare and incurable neurological condition that causes brain damage.
Austin had a longstanding collaboration with Gardeners' World, with experts from his Shropshire-based nursery regularly appearing on the show, in the magazine, and at Gardeners' World Live events.
Tributes from Monty Don and others
Presenter Monty Don honored Austin with an emotional message on Tuesday. “I am so sorry to hear this. My regards and condolences to all his family,” the 71-year-old wrote on Instagram. “But what legacy he leaves - millions of exquisite roses that will live on for so many, enriching all our lives.”
Austin’s three children, Richard, James, and Olivia, also shared a moving tribute. “First and foremost, dad was a gardener,” they said. “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.”
Other celebrities and gardening institutions also expressed their condolences. BBC DJ Zoe Ball, who has appeared on the BBC’s coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, said: “Sending love and condolences to the Austin family. Heartbreaking news.” The Gardeners’ World magazine’s official Instagram account posted: “We’re so very sorry to hear this. Sending our love to you all.” The Royal Horticultural Society added: “We're deeply saddened by this news. Sending love and condolences to the Austin family.”
Family business and legacy
Austin joined the family rose-growing business, founded by his father David C.H. Austin, in 1990. He chaired the company for 30 years. The family said in a statement: “The Austin family would like to thank everyone who cared for David and supported them during his illness. David Austin Roses continues under its experienced leadership team, working closely with the next generation of the Austin family, and we are as committed as ever to serving our partners and rose lovers around the world.”
