Gardening with the RHS Atomic Gardens and Other Remarkable Histories
Dec 4, 2025
Fiona Davison, Head of Libraries at the RHS, shares the remarkable story of Muriel Howarth, a pioneer of atomic gardening and her efforts to use irradiated seeds. Nick Turrell dives into the top ten influential plants, discussing how barley and hemp shaped history through their roles in brewing and textiles. Finally, pond expert Helen Bensted-Smith offers essential tips on maintaining wildlife ponds, emphasizing gentle maintenance and the importance of understanding ecological changes throughout the seasons.
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Radiated Peanut Sparks A Movement
- Muriel Howarth planted an irradiated peanut she served at a Waldorf Hotel party and it germinated into an unusually large plant.
- She then founded the Atomic Gardening Society to distribute radiated seeds to members for crowdsourced mutation breeding.
Theatre To Explain Atomic Science
- Muriel organised theatrical shows and mime performances to explain atomic science to the public.
- Time magazine reviewed her 'Isotopia' performance with vivid descriptions of dancing 'atomic energy associates.'
Mutation Breeding's Practical Legacy
- Mutation breeding sped up variation and produced useful cultivars like Queen Cox from Cox's Orange Pippin.
- Radiation is costly and risky, so breeders now often use chemicals or tissue culture to induce variation.
