The latest appointments to the Order of Canada span the gamut from space exploration to fantasy literature and humour to gardening.

Canada's astronautical bard and promoter of all things space, Chris Hadfield, finally makes the grade with an appointment as an officer of the Order of Canada, the second-highest ranking in the order.

CBC's own Rick Mercer joins Hadfield in the officer category. He is being recognized for "his ability to inspire and challenge Canadians through humour, and for his leadership in support of charitable causes," according to the Governor General's office at Rideau Hall.

Fantasy writer Guy Gavriel Kay is to become a new member of the Order of Canada, with 85 others inducted to or promoted within the order. (CBC)

Fantasy fiction author Guy Gavriel Kay, who has written 12 novels and a volume of poetry, has been appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Kay also helped edit J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, the posthumously published prequel to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Also appointed as a member is Lucinda Flemer, who is best known for the creation of Kingsbrae Public Garden in St. Andrews by-the-Sea, N.B. The eight gardens on 11 hectares of land are a wonder that no one believed could be built. Conceived in the 1990s and officially opened in 1998, Kingsbrae was Flemer's way of giving back to a town that was in decline.

"Even more important to us, here at Kingsbrae Garden, than growing plants is helping our community and the people of this area grow as well," she is quoted as saying on the garden's website.

The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest civilian honours. It was created in 1967 to celebrate the country's 100th birthday. There are over 6,000 members of the order.

Here is a list of the other 82 people inducted to or promoted within the Order of Canada:

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