I had the pleasure of volunteering with the Franklin Park Conservatory Women's Board at a cooking class last night. Yes, I was on my feet for almost seven hours, and yes I spent a fair amount of it around a hot wood fire. But I was truly entertained by instructors Jim Budros, Rich Terapak, and Steve Stover and I was thrilled to take pictures around the garden. Here are just some of the beautiful edibles I saw:

If you have never been to the Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Garden Campus, go! Find parking in front of the caretaker's house off Franklin Park South or you can enter via the conservatory main entrance and keep driving towards the south end of the park until you reach the far parking lot. Wander around and take note of the hundreds of culinary species growing. It is a place of inspiration for kitchen gardeners and beauty for all others.

If you've never been to a cooking class, I suggest Rich and Steve's Spanish Tapas offering on July 19. Even an experienced home cook will be inspired and entertained while eating a fine meal.