Two Unique Booths at the Dexter Farmers Market

Henry Zelisse - Shagbark Farm, Ypsilanti
When asked his age, Henry likes to say, "I'm older than dirt." Henry began farming as a young boy growing up in New Jersey.  His family had a large Victory Garden just after WWII which he helped tend.  Now Henry farms an acre located in Ypsilanti. His vegetables are clean and bright and the selection of produce is different each week. Henry has small to medium tomatoes each in perfectly picked condition. He has yellow squash and zucchini, tall full basil plants, beans, beets and some flowers.  Henry's son, David, owns Panama Hills Farms in Ypsilanti and produces apples and pears which Henry polishes and sells at his booth.
Henry's booth is one of the smaller produce booths at Dexter Farmers Market but Henry's delightful personality is one of the best.  He has stories, ideas, produce knowledge and a great sense of humor to share. When he is not at the market or farming, he is at home caring for his ailing wife.  Shop
Henry's booth and go home not only with great produce but with a big smile on your face.

Mary Ann Doubles - Guthrie Gardens - Dexter
YES!YES! You can plant trees, shrubs and perennials easily through the end of September and into early October. Guthrie Gardens booth, located at the south most end of the Dexter Farmers Market is very unique.  Mary Ann sells potted perennials (sun and shade), flowering shrubs and specimen trees.  A specimen tree, in my terms, is a unique tree that calls attention to itself such as a Japanese Lace Leaf Maple, a Gingko tree like the one outside the Dexter Library, an Alaskan Weeping Cedar or a Dawn Redwood.  Mary Ann also sells a variety of evergreen trees.
In the category of flowering shrubs, Guthrie Gardens offers a great selection of hydrangeas, of ninebark which is deer resistant and a variety of weigela. She also sells caryopteris - a beautiful small shrub that flowers in August/September.  Among the perennials Mary Ann sells are many different types of Hosta, Hericera, Woodland Poppies, variegated Yucca and many more. This list of trees, shrubs and perennials is not inclusive.  Mary Ann strives to grow and sell unusual plants - you really need to visit and linger at her booth to see what I mean and to learn more about her products.
Mary Ann's business is licensed and inspected by the Department of Agriculture.
I need to put my personal two bits in here about Guthrie Gardens and Mary Ann.  At the many plant nurseries/booths in various farm markets and plant places that I have frequented, I have never found plants as clean, hearty and healthy as the ones Mary Ann sells. She chooses hearty plants to grow and although they may be "unusual" they are not exotics - they are indigenous to our growing region.  One look at the stock from Guthrie Gardens will convince you of Mary Ann's expertise, concentrated care and hard work. It is typical of me to purchase one or two items from Mary Ann each Saturday at the Dexter Farmers Market and I can definitely attest to the fact that her plants thrive when planted in your own garden. I think it's because each plant had such a healthy start.  If you wish to visit Guthrie Gardens, 8870 N. Lima Center Rd., Dexter, please call for an appointment
734 475-8898.