ABC TV gardener Peter Cundall dies at 94

Television and gardening identity Peter Cundall has died after a short illness, aged 94.

Television and gardening identity Peter Cundall has died after a short illness, aged 94.

Cundall, born in Manchester, hosted popular television program Gardening Australia on the ABC for almost two decades, with his last show airing on July 26, 2008.

The keen environmentalist and activist also presented what was claimed to be the world’s first gardening talkback radio segment from the late 1960s until 2018.

“On Sunday 5th of December 2021, Peter Cundall passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by his family,” a statement released by the national broadcaster said.

“Peter’s privacy, and the privacy of his family, is to be respected during this very sad time.

“Peter’s family does not wish to be contacted.”

A private cremation and no memorial service will be held, per his request. The family also requested that media outlets avoid publishing photos of Cundall.

Gardening Australia’s current host, Costa Geordiadis, on Sunday lead tributes to Cundall, who became famous for his catchphrase “that’s your bloomin’ lot” on the horticulture show.

“An absolute shining guiding light and inspiration for all and sundry in the world of gardening, nature, life, and much more orbiting around care for our earth and ourselves,” he said.

In his earlier years, Cundall was a senate candidate for the Communist Party of Australia in the 1961 federal election.

His conscription into the British Army towards the end of World War II helped him migrate to Australia. He then served in the Australian Army during the Korean War.

He also supported many left-wing political and environmental groups by speaking at rallies and events, and also marched in protest against Australia’s involvement in the Iraq War.

His fierce activism resulted in multiple arrests — even at the age of 82 — where he was charged by police after refusing to move from the Tasmanian state parliament steps.

In 2007 Cundall was awarded a membership of the Order of Australia for his service to the environment and for his presenting of gardening programs on television and radio, and named Tasmania State Recipient Australian of the Year in 2009.

He was diagnosed with glaucoma when he was 87.

Cundall’s family has asked for images of him not to be used.