Shropshire Star comment: David Austin left a legacy of beauty
There are some special people in Shropshire whose very names become synonymous with excellence in their field.
David Austin was one. Say the name, and it is like a shining beacon – a name which will be immediately widely recognised. People will at once associate it with roses, where he took the craft to new levels as a breeder and his work is internationally renowned.
Like so many who reach the top, it all began when he was a youngster. But it was when he was given a book on roses for his 21st birthday that his specific love affair with roses began.
From then on his hard work and dedication was complemented by innovation and vision. And his passion never dimmed, as he was still developing new varieties up until the end.
Success came at many levels and there are countless green-fingered Salopians who have been able to take a dip into the skills he brought to the horticultural world by the simple expedient of taking a visit to David Austin Roses in Albrighton.
Then there were the awards which underlined his achievements and raising of the bar. There have of course been many awards for his roses around the world. Of particular pride was the personal award, in 2007, of the OBE for services to horticulture.
Mr Austin, who has died at the age of 92 at his Shropshire home, has already been the subject of many online tributes. What he brought to his art was greater than experience and knowledge, but a driving love and passion for rose breeding.
His son, also David, summed it up: “His love for the art of rose breeding was truly inspiring.”
The company he founded describes him as The Father of English Roses, one of the greatest rosarians and rose breeders of all time who was responsible for creating the world’s first horticultural brand, and with over 240 varieties to his name.
In St Paul’s Cathedral there is a plaque in honour of Sir Christopher Wren bearing a famous epitaph: “Reader, if you seek his memorial – look around you.”
If you want to see the legacy of David Austin, look in your gardens and in your parks.
He brought lasting joy and created a brighter, more fragrant, and more colourful world.
