Atomic Gardens and Other Remarkable Histories

Gardening with the RHS

Royal Horticultural Society

Hobbies, Leisure, Home & Garden

4.3 • 691 Ratings

🗓️ 4 December 2025

⏱️ 33 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

December is the perfect time to take stock of the garden and dream of the seasons ahead. With this in mind, this week we’re bringing you some extraordinary stories from horticulturists past and present. Fiona Davison kicks things off with the astonishing tale of Muriel Howarth, who passionately advocated for the potential of atomic energy in gardening. Nick Turrell then joins us to unveil the first two entries in his top ten most influential plants: species that have shaped history through their extraordinary abilities and dramatic backstories. And finally, Helen Bensted-Smith returns with the concluding chapter of the wildlife ponds mini-series, guiding you through how to keep your pond healthy and thriving for years to come. Host: Guy Barter Contributors: Fiona Davison, Nick Turrell, and Helen Bensted-Smith Links: RHS How to Create a Wildlife Pond Pumpkins and Prizes exhibition Write in with your gardening questions to: podcasts@rhs.org.uk

Transcript

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0:00.0	Looking for the perfect gift for the garden lover in your life?
0:04.0	This Christmas, save £15 on an NHS gift membership
0:07.8	and give them unlimited visits to NHS gardens
0:10.8	and over 230 partner gardens all year round.
0:15.2	They'll enjoy reduced rate tickets and priority access to NHS shows
0:18.8	plus so much more.
0:20.9	Save £15.orghs.org.uk.
0:24.5	Our friends soon, terms and conditions apply.
0:31.7	It's December, and even though the garden looks dormant there's a quiet world of activity
0:40.0	taking place out of sight. Roots are still growing, bulbs are preparing their ascent
0:46.0	and perennial plants are rebuilding their strength ahead of spring. This time of year invites
0:51.4	us to notice the small things. The subtle changes in light, shade and colour,
0:57.0	the fox's footprints dotted through the silvery frost and the rustle in a hedge that hints that a wren is overwintering there.
1:04.0	It's also the perfect time to take stock and dream of the seasons ahead. The best ideas often surface in winter,
1:12.4	and with no weeds demanding attention,
1:14.8	our imagination finally gets room to run.
1:18.2	This week we're bringing you some fascinating tales to enjoy
1:21.5	whilst you're out and join the frosty splendour of the winter garden.
1:26.3	Fearinga Davison is here to tell us the eccentric story of atomic activist Muriel Howarth,
1:31.3	who founded the Atomic Gardening Society in the 1950s.
1:36.3	The society utilised an early form of crowdsourcing,
1:40.3	in which members received irradiated seeds, planted them in their gardens, and sent reports back to Howef detailing the results.
	...

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