I was recently inspired by Landscape Ontario’s list of 5 great ways to feature your garden when entertaining this summer:

· Create a beautiful centre piece using fresh cut flowers from your garden. Now is the perfect time to pick delphiniums, dahlias, and gladiolas – or be unique and decorate with vegetables

· Serve an edible flower salad as an appetizer. Common garden flowers suitable for use in salads include marigolds, dandelions, carnations, day lilies, pansies, chrysanthemums and nasturtiums.

· Plant herb pots close to your BBQ for easy access. Adding fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme and chives can add fabulous flavour to any meat or vegetables you are grilling.

· Treat yourself to dessert. Several flowers can also be used in a dessert, especially lavender which is a great addition to cakes and ice cream.

· Enjoy a local garden tour. After lunch treat your guests to a garden tour – your local horticultural society may have a route to follow.