The flowers have a slightly peppery, almost citrus-like, taste that's delicious in salads and can be used to make iced tea. In addition to Hilary's suggestions, try easy to grow calendulas. 'Edible flowers like nasturtiums, pansies and daylilies brighten up a courtyard as well as a platter of food.' 'An outdoor dining area layered in edible plants is not just useful, it’s dreamy and delicious,' says Hilary Bidwell, who has a master’s degree in landscape architecture from Harvard, and recently launched gardening and lifestyle blog Talk Flowers to Me. There are so many reasons to grow flowers you can eat in your outdoor dining area, especially as they will mingle perfectly with the dishes you serve as an evocative part of the summer experience. Imagine reaching over from your chair and picking a handful of blooms from the flower bed to add to salads or using petals as a garnish for cocktails when you're hosting in the garden. These plants open their blooms at dusk and release a sweet fragrance that drenches the night air. 'The sweet smelling flowers open each night and close during the day.' For alternative night-scented flowers, try moonflower, nicotiana, or four o'clocks. 'Night blooming jasmine is the ultimate choice for those who want to infuse their dining area with fragrance,' says Amber. What about when you're entertaining in the evening? Some of the most evocative fragrances are released at dusk. The passion flower can be trained to climb a pergola or trellis.' 'The flowers also have a delightful fragrance, attract pollinators, and produce an edible fruit that has a sweet-tart flavor. Mark also recommends the passion flower (Passiflora), a climbing vine with colorful blooms in shades of purple, blue, or white. This plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies too.' The leaves can be used to infuse drinks, create herbal teas, and add a hint of pineapple flavor to dishes. 'This perennial shrub releases a sweet, fruity aroma when touched. 'One of my favorite plants for an outdoor dining area is pineapple sage (salvia elegans), an herb that has red flowers and a delightful pineapple fragrance,' says Mark Taylor, owner of Maricopa Landscape Co. Perhaps you want to try something a little more unusual though. Similarly, honeysuckle and wisteria offer sweet fragrances, and visually stunning aspects to your dining area.' 'Not only does it exude an intoxicating scent, but it's also a hardy climber, perfect for lacing around pergolas or trellises. 'Jasmine is a definite winner here,' says Amber, echoing Phillip's sentiments. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. For wonderful scent in your outdoor dining area, you can't go wrong with roses, lavender, rosemary, jasmine, or gardenia. Let's start with plants known for their aromatic delights.

Mother of thyme next to other fflowers