My neighbor Barb McRae enjoys gardening and is an avid recycler. When I asked her to share her top 3 places to shop in and around Ann Arbor, she immediately mentioned these favorites:

Downtown Home and Garden: “They have great supplies-- grass seed, compost, water barrels.” They are always well stocked in the items Barb needs. This time of year, she wants to find organic fertilizers, discounted perennials, and also bulbs to plant before fall escapes. The store hosts contests and other store events for customers to continue to grow in their gardening knowledge. The website also offers a monthly coupon. If Barb, or others make it in before the end of October, pick up 5 complimentary tulip bulbs with coupon.

ReUse Center: You never know what kind of amazing trash to treasure items you might find at this shop you can find on the strip of Industrial Hwy. that Ann Arborites call Resale Row. Barb was thrilled to find a standing height desk that she proudly and comfortably uses in her home office. She also likes to hunt for goodies for the family: sports stuff, skates, tennis supplies, a love seat, and she mentions she has her eye on a nice end table. Through the end of the month, the ReUse Center is hosting a Re-Art exhibition of local artists’ reused hardwood items.

As shopping is not one of Barb’s favorite hobbies, she came up with only two top spots to tell me about, but I think I have just the pick for a third.

Materials Unlimited: According to the website description, Materials Unlimited is a full service provider of antique furniture, antique architecturals and restored period lighting. This Ypsilanti shop is like finding a diamond in the rough. The website has a full listing of products and treasures, but the brick and mortar building is filled with a feast for the eyes. Check out the vast selection of architectural and antique one of a kinds. They even have a large department of vintage garden accessories. Drop in on an upcoming football Saturdays this season, to enjoy some local tailgate fare, and the staff will deduct 20% from your purchases if you are wearing your team colors.

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com