Regina blogger shares 'oasis' with public in secret garden tour

A Regina blogger has been sharing her secret garden this summer.

Melissa Tinnish,the woman behind M Diva Domestica,opened her backyard up to tours as part of a fundraiser, sharing what she calls her oasis with the public.

Dinnerware rests on a table surrounded by drapery and sparkle lights in the green space between Tinnish's fence and garage. A canopy of grape vines hang overhead the area Tinnish and her husband constructed over their three years living in the home.

"We really enjoy eating outside and, with our short, Saskatchewan summers, unfortunately, we have to take full advantage of that," Tinnish told CBC Radio's Saskatchewan Weekend.

When they bought the home in the Cathedral neighbourhood, Tinnish said, they inherited a number of perennials and fruit plants. Not only do the plants add to the visual appeal of the yard, they connect the space with Tinnish's culinary passion.

Tinnish said her fruit has been amazing this year.

"The great thing about doing it yourself even though that is a little bit of work is that you can custom to what you want and what you need."

So not only does Tinnish make grape jelly, she adds things like ginger and rosemary to it. She's even made grape curry.

Tinnish next wants to use her blog to highlight local businesses and explore more desserts.