Starcast Join the waitlist
Gardening with the RHS

Gardening with the RHS

506: Garden wildlife care for heatwaves: dahlias, cinnabar moths, and more

Aug 6, 2026 · 34m

Coming soon to iPhone. Already have it? “Listen in Starcast” takes you straight there.

On this episode

About this episode

As we experience one of the most extreme summers on record, how can we help our garden wildlife cope with the heat? RHS Science and Horticulture Editor Olivia Drake explains why ornamental dahlias can be an excellent late summer food source for pollinators, while RHS entomologist Josie Stuart introduces us to the striking cinnabar moth and its close relationship with drought-resistant ragwort. We also visit Where Magic Grows, a new family-friendly immersive exhibition at Leeds’ Thackeray Museum of Medicine, exploring the connections between plants, folklore and medicine, in collaboration with the RHS. Plus, we answer some of your top gardening questions of the week. Host: Gareth Richards…