Gardening Star David J.C. Austin Dies at 67

Gardeners' World star David J.C. Austin has died after being diagnosed with a neurological illness linked to Mad Cow's Disease. 

David, who was the chairman of David Austin Roses, passed away at his Shropshire home aged 67, after battling Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, (CJD). 

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, degenerative brain disorder.  Most sufferers die within a year of symptom onset, usually due to an infection caused by immobility. There is no cure.

The gardener famously showed around the Royal in May 2023. 

Gardeners' World presenter  led tributes and wrote: '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.'

His family 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.

'Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn’t be more proud of him.'

David had long been part of the BBC gardening show, with experts from his nursery regularly appearing in segments and at live events promoting the programme. 

In a statement, the Royal Horticultural Society said they were 'deeply saddened' by the news of David’s death.

Influencer Lydia Millen said: 'This is truly heartbreaking! The joy he has brought this world through his blooms is the greatest legacy. My thoughts are with all the Austin family'.

Zoe Ball said: 'sending love and condolences to the Austin family. heartbreaking news'. 

The National Trust said they were also 'saddened to hear' the news of David's passing. 

They wrote: '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'. 

David joined the world-famous Shropshire family nursery in 1990, working alongside his late father, David C. H. Austin (the pioneer who developed the iconic English Rose class). 

David went on to lead the company for more than 30 years and transformed the business into a global horticulture brand.

Earlier this year, he entered semi-retirement, passing the primary leadership of David Austin Roses down to the third generation, his three children; Richard, James, and Olivia.