I've just heard the sad news about John Cushnie's untimely death, and wanted to write a few lines to let his family and friends know just how special he was to this listener.
It goes without saying that John's advice helped my garden, and those of countless other listeners, grow more fruitfully.
But he was never just an information source: above all, John was always great company. His voice transported me straight back to the emerald fields and low skies of my Ulster childhood; and his dry wit invariably planted a smile on my face, no matter what I was doing. Sometimes, he even made me laugh so hard I'd forget what the discussion was about.
I'm going to greatly miss sharing my afternoons with John Cushnie. For a wee man, he's left a gaping hole at the heart of gardening and broadcasting, one which it will be terribly hard to fill.
My sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues; and my thanks to John himself, for the pleasure he gave us all over the years.
