Compost had been delivered to the front of the house, and the man had taken it by wheelbarrow to a shed and dumped it there. It was during that process his widow believed he breathed in the fatal bacteria.
Legionella, or Legionnaires Disease, can be treated with antibiotics if detected soon enough but, as many patients do, the man dismissed his coughing and sneezing as a cold or flu.
"I went along with the idea that it was a cold or flu for a couple of days, but then I said you should go to the doctor,'' the woman said.
"At that stage it wasn't aggressive and they did put it down to being a flu ... but by the Friday I was concerned and I rang the doctor again.
"He wasn't 100 per cent, but he did walk off down our path ... I said you'll get some antibiotics and you'll be fine.''
Hours later the man was transferred from the emergency department to intensive care, but clinicians were unable to save him.
"It's left a huge hole in the family; we just wish it hadn't happened,'' the woman said.
"It might have just been bad luck that he got it, but I feel people need to know about this.''
Her husband's death should be a message for all gardeners to take care with potting mix and compost, and for all retailers who sold it to ensure their customers were given appropriate health warnings, she said.
"I'm concerned for people who work with this stuff at garden centres but have got no masks or protection,'' the woman said.
"They should give out a sheet of paper at garden centres to tell people of the dangers because it can have a devastating effect, that someone who was perfectly healthy could go so quickly.''
Southern District Health Board medical officer of health Anura Jayasinghe said with the weather improving and people looking to get back out into their gardens, the man's death was a terrible reminder of the potential danger of Legionnaires Disease.
"People should watch out for signs of legionellosis, as early treatment is usually effective," he said.
"Men and women of any age can get legionellosis, but middle-aged or older men, particularly those who smoke or drink heavily, are at higher risk."
LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE
• Type of pneumonia caused by bacteria commonly found living in potting mix, soils and compost.
• Symptoms are very similar to flu; cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle pains, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Potentially fatal, can be treated if detected quickly enough.
• If using potting mix, soils or compost: wear a good-quality mask and gloves, open bags in a well-ventilated space, wash hands when finished.
