David Austin Roses has announced the death of its chairman, David J. C. Austin, at his home in Shropshire. He was 67 and was surrounded by his family.
A life among roses
David joined the family firm on Bowling Green Lane in 1990, when his father, David C. H. Austin, was becoming internationally known for breeding English Roses. Over more than 30 years he helped turn a specialist Shropshire nursery into one of the best-known names in gardening worldwide, while keeping the focus on beautiful, fragrant roses.
His children Richard, James and Olivia described him as a gardener above all else: kind, modest and playful, with a deep sense of responsibility to the roses and to the people who work for the business. The company says it continues under experienced leadership, with the next generation of the family involved.
The business in Albrighton
David C. H. Austin released his first rose, Constance Spry, in 1961, and the plant centre opened in 1969. He died in 2018 and is buried at St Mary Magdalene's in the village.
Today the Plant Centre and Rose Gardens on Bowling Green Lane hold the National Collection of English Roses, with themed gardens, a plant centre, gift shop, restaurant and tearoom. The gardens are free to visit and open daily from 9am to 5pm, and are at their best in June and July and again in September and October.
Our thoughts are with the Austin family and everyone at the company.
Sources
- Shropshire Live: David J. C. Austin, Chairman of David Austin Roses, dies aged 67 (20 July 2026)
- Plant Heritage: National Collection of English Roses
This story was written by Albrighton.org.uk from the reports above. Spotted an error? Let us know.