Monty Don has paid an emotional tribute to his Gardener's World colleague David JC Austin, who died earlier this week at the age of 67. Austin passed away at his home in Shropshire on July 20 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), an incurable neurological condition.
Monty Don leads tributes
Following the announcement of Austin's death by his family on Instagram, Don wrote: 'I am 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 National Trust also shared a statement: 'We are saddened to hear of the passing of David JC Austin. Many National Trust gardens and our visitors have benefited from the work of the Austin family and David’s continued commitment to roses has brought many people joy over so many years. Our thoughts are with David’s family and others close to him.'
Horticulturists and public mourn
Gardeners and horticulturists also expressed their grief. Ross_and_ian commented: 'You didn’t know us, but I wanted to say thank you. Through your dedication, vision and relentless pursuit of excellence, you passed something on to me that I never expected: a genuine love of roses. Your work has inspired millions, and for so many of us, there simply is no rose quite like a David Austin rose.'
Austin ran the David Austin Roses company, a family business founded by his father, David C. H. Austin. The company stated that Austin led the business for more than 30 years, growing it from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name among rose lovers.
Family's tribute
Austin's children Richard, James and Olivia paid tribute to their 'kind and modest' father. '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 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.'
