David J.C. Austin, chairman of the renowned David Austin Roses company and a familiar face on the BBC's 'Gardeners' World,' has died at the age of 67. He passed away at his home in Shropshire after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), a rare and degenerative neurological disorder.
CJD is a fatal condition with no known cure, and most individuals succumb within a year of symptom onset, often due to complications from immobility. David Austin was known for his role in promoting the family business, which his grandfather founded. He famously guided Queen Camilla through the Royal Chelsea Flower Show in May 2023.
Tributes poured in from the gardening community and beyond. Monty Don, a presenter on 'Gardeners' World,' expressed his sorrow, stating, '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 described him as a dedicated gardener at heart, who carried his grandfather's vision with humility and responsibility. They remembered him as kind, modest, and full of a playful spirit. "Above all, he was our Dad, and words cannot express how much we will miss him. We couldn’t be more proud of him," his family said in a statement.
David Austin joined the family nursery, established in Shropshire, in 1990, working alongside his late father, David C. H. Austin, the pioneer behind the English Rose class. For over three decades, David J.C. Austin led the company, transforming it into a globally recognized horticulture brand. He had recently entered semi-retirement, handing over leadership to his three children.
David Austin Roses is known for its meticulous rose breeding process, which can take seven years from seed to commercial release. The company's origins trace back to David Austin Sr.'s teenage fascination with roses and his desire to combine the beauty and scent of older rose varieties with the repeat-flowering nature of modern roses. His first commercial rose, the pink climber 'Constance Spry,' was launched in 1961, followed by more than 230 other varieties.
The Royal Horticultural Society and the National Trust also shared their sadness, with the National Trust noting how many of their gardens and visitors have benefited from the Austin family's work. Influencer Lydia Millen and broadcaster Zoe Ball were among others who offered condolences.