How are gardeners helping plants survive heatwaves?

As for insects, some are enjoying a bumper year due to the heat.

For example, flying ants may be having their biggest moment in 100 years, Patel said.

“We’re seeing a huge increase in swarming insects in general,” he added.

The Royal Entomological Society’s tips for insect-friendly gardening, external include avoiding pesticides, leaving patches of long grass on lawns and creating a water source such as a chemical-free pond.

Even a smaller water source can be helpful for wildlife – Charlotte Sanderson’s RHS Badminton Flower Show garden features a shallow water bowl made from porous cement.

She said the bowl “was submerged into the soil and it was essential to keep it topped up for the birds and insects”.

In contrast with other swarming insects, bees have been in decline in Somerset recently due to very wet winters.

“We’ve had very heavy damp winters and this can lead to mouldy honey stores, which really affects bees come the spring,” Patel said.

Gardeners can help, said Patel, by planting lavender and wildflowers – which are rich in nectar – to help bees build up honey stores that they can use in summer.