Pat and Rick Dawson have been farming and delivering their goods to Kingston for 25 years. They produce a variety of organically grown vegetables and herbs at Desert Lake Gardens specializing in oak log grown shiitake mushrooms, available fresh for 6 months of the year, and dried during the winter months. Desert Lake Gardens is located 40 minutes north of Kingston, near Frontenac Park. The Mill Street Cafe is located in the village of Sydenham. Desert Lake Gardens has been vending at the Kingston Public Market since 2009.

Other than at the market, people can visit their website at www.desertlakegardens.com and place an order for delivery to their home. As well as the food they produce themselves, they purvey a full grocery selection:  produce, meat, cheese from other local producers, plus organic nuts, grains, dried fruit and lots more. As well, they encourage folks to visit them in their Sydenham location, to pick up groceries during the week, or enjoy Saturday night dining at Mill Street Cafe. 

Desert Lake Gardens adhere to organic practices on their farm.  Their land has never had chemical fertilizers or pesticides.  They also have their own self contained pond for irrigation.