1970 Press Photo Mr. Gordon Sandiford and X Ray Dahlias

X Ray Dahlias Successfully Grown. X Ray Dahlias may sound silly, but they are a fact. Grown successfully by a Chester le Street hospital gardener, they give something new to the gardening world. Mr. Gordon Sandiford, head gardener at Chester le Street General Hospital, hit on the idea of exposing some Dahlias seed to x ray to upset the chromosome balance in the hope of getting new colors and forms. The X ray department at the hospital were happy to cooperate, and varying exposures were tried. Now, after two years, Mr. Sandiford can claim success with perfected bi color blooms in both decorative and cactus forms. He has ten new varieties from the X ray bombarded seeds, and their color, quality and shape have impressed everyone who has seen them, experts included. "It is only now I can claim complete success", said Mr. Sandiford, who is keeping his formula secret. Mr. Gordon Sandiford pictured with his blooms.

Photo measures 8 x 10.25 inches.

Photo is dated 9-30-1970.



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