If you live on Manitoulin Island, you'll have likely sampled some of the amazing items Our Garden creates.  If you've been to the Farmers' Markets on the Island, you'll most likely have chatted with the friendly Chuc and Linda Willson, owners of and masterminds behind Our Garden products.

Since I moved to the Island a few years ago, I've been a fan of Chuc and Linda's jellies, vinegars, and other goodies. I pick up a few items every now and then to mail to friends and family for Christmas presents. They are SO delicious!

Their products are made fresh with local fruit of the field or naturally sourced herbs from their own garden. They never add artificial flavour to any of their products. They also do not mix any of their products, because they want  you to enjoy the true taste of the fruit or herb. Another thing I love is that they use organic fair trade sugar to assure their product is eco-friendly, the growers get a fair price, and because it's better for us.

Just last year, Linda introduced me to Our Garden's vinaigrettes! I'm not a fan of creamy salad dressings (Okay, I am a fan, but my waistline isn't!), and I absolutely love vinaigrettes!


What you do is you buy the basil infused vinegar and whatever basil jelly you prefer from Our Garden.  Then you follow one of the amazing recipes Chuc and Linda have so generously shared on their Our Garden pamphlets.

Here's one of my favourites from Chuc and Linda:

Ruby Raspberry Vinaigrette
1/2 cup Ruby Basil Vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tablespoons Raspberry Jelly or to taste
3 Tablespoons Ruby Basil Jelly or to taste

Combine ingredients in tall narrow jar or a vinaigrette bottle for easy pouring. Let stand at room temperature overnight. Shake well before using. If not used up within a week, store in refrigerator.


Chuc and Linda Willson's Our Garden is a MyPick Verified Local Farmer.  The MyPick logo is your assurance that Farmers' Markets Ontario has visited their farm and confirmed that they are indeed a bona fide  local producer.  Everything at Our Garden comes straight from their farm and is a result of their hard work.

I should also add that Chuc and Linda are two of the nicest, kindest, loveliest people you will ever meet!

Find Our Garden at the Farmers' Markets  on Manitoulin Island and on Facebook!

Disclosure - This is not a sponsored post. I am not being compensated for any of my Manitoulin Spotlight posts. I have chosen to showcase local businesses because I would like to support them and spread the word about all the wonderful hidden and not so hidden) gems we have on the Island. All the opinions written here are honest and my own.