Paying tribute to her fellow horticulturalist, Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson said: “It is with a very heavy sad heart that I have to share with you that this morning Nigel Dunnett passed away.”
She said Dunnett’s family had given her permission to post the news on social media because the family was unable to.
“I’m too upset to say more,” Anderson continued.
“But for those that knew him well, you know we have just lost one of our dear talented friends and our beautiful world of plants and design will miss him sorely.”
Another Gardener’s World presenter, Rachel de Thame, said on Instagram she was “so thankful” for all the times she had spent in a garden with Dunnett.
“We talked about sustainable planting back in 2012 at the Olympic Park and were doing so again in his memorable Chelsea garden for Hospitalfield Arts last year,” she continued.
“Thank you Nigel for always inspiring us and sharing your passion and knowledge so generously. We will miss you. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Nigel’s family, many friends and colleagues.”