Annie’s Annuals & Perennials: A Horticultural Wonderland for Rare and Heirloom Plants
Where rare, on-site grown plants meet sustainable practices and horticultural expertise.
Annie’s Annuals & Perennials: A Destination for Plant Lovers
Set in the heart of Richmond, California, Annie’s Annuals & Perennials has earned a legendary status among gardening enthusiasts seeking rare, unusual, and heirloom varieties. With a joyful, community-driven spirit, Annie’s brings together the vibrancy of a living botanic showcase and the practical expertise of a working nursery—all underpinned by an unwavering commitment to biodiversity, fun, and exceptional plant quality.
What Sets Annie’s Apart?
- Vast Selection: Over 2,000 varieties, including annuals, perennials, and native California plants, many hard to find anywhere else.
- On-Site Propagation: Most plants are grown from seed on site and trialed for years in the nursery gardens before being offered for sale.
- Expert, Enthusiastic Guidance: Owner Annie Hayes and her team share deep horticultural knowledge, from cultivation tips to design inspiration.
- Community Events: Regular seasonal parties, workshops, and quirky festivities foster a warm, lively community atmosphere.
- Legacy of Sustainability: Dedicated to promoting biodiversity and celebrating heirloom and native plant heritage for gardeners of all levels.
History and Evolution of Annie’s Annuals & Perennials
The story of Annie’s is one of vision, dedication, and grass-roots growth. Founded by Annie Hayes, what began as a backyard passion project roughly three decades ago blossomed into a beloved 2.5-acre nursery operated and primarily run by women. Over the years, Annie’s expanded its reputation beyond Northern California, drawing ‘plantaholics’ from across the country in search of horticultural treasures not available through standard retail channels.
This legacy continues, even as the nursery has transitioned to new stewardship. With the support of dedicated team members and the acquisition by Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, Annie’s ongoing presence on 740 Market Avenue in Richmond is secured, ensuring that its spirit of plant discovery and community stays vibrant well into the future.
Nursery Atmosphere: A Living Garden Showcase
Visiting Annie’s Annuals & Perennials is an experience that extends beyond shopping for plants. Visitors are welcomed by lush, color-soaked demonstration beds, each serving both as inspiration and as a testament to Annie’s commitment to cultivating beautiful, ecologically diverse landscapes. Unlike typical nurseries where plants are only displayed at their floral peak, Annie’s stocks varieties when they are best suited for planting—accompanied by detailed signs featuring photographs, cultivation advice, and Annie’s enthusiastic, personal notes about each plant’s unique allure.
This approach offers an immersive and educational horticultural adventure, allowing gardeners to imagine how these plants might flourish in their own green spaces.
Exemplary Plant Collections at Annie’s Annuals & Perennials
Rare and Heirloom Plants
- Uncommon California natives like Clarkia (Godetia), famed for its dazzling pastel drifts and resilience in drought and heavy clay soil.
- Heirloom annuals and perennials, including Mediterranean climate bloomers perfect for cottage gardens.
- Remarkable old-fashioned seed-grown plants, many of which are no longer widely available.
Seasonal Highlights and Staff Favorites
- Phacelia minor – striking blue-purple native flower that thrives in California gardens.
- Lupinus regalis ‘Thomas Church’ – iconic perennial with elegant spires of color.
- Nemophila menziesii ‘Baby Blue Eyes’ – a beloved spring annual with sky-blue blooms, perfect for wildflower meadows.
- Clarkia – esteemed for its ability to create colorful drifts and its ecological benefits.
- Kale and edible perennials – including long-lived varieties like tree kale, bridging ornamental value and edible utility.
Vegetables and Edible Plants
Annie’s is not limited to garden ornamentals. The nursery features select edible plants—such as robust, long-lived kale—that add beauty and nutritional value to the home landscape. Many of these vegetables are rare or open-pollinated varieties, continuing the nursery’s tradition of offering what you can’t find at big-box stores.
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Flowers, Foliage, and Year-Round Color
The nursery’s commitment to diversity is evident in its ever-evolving seasonal displays. At any time of year, visitors may find:
- Spring ephemerals such as Papaver (poppies), Layia (Tidy Tips), and Eschscholzia (California poppy) hybrids in a spectrum of hues.
- Summer standouts like Geum coccineum ‘Totally Tangerine’ and dazzling Delphinium cultivars.
- Lovely shade plants and unusual ground covers for all exposures and garden styles.
With lush beds that change with the seasons, Annie’s is a model of year-round garden vibrance and possibility.
Approach to Plant Selection and Culture
- Adaptability: Every plant offered at Annie’s is trialed for performance in the Bay Area’s Mediterranean climate—think clay soils, dry summers, and variable exposures.
- Right Plant, Right Place: Detailed signage and staff support ensure gardeners select the best plant for their unique site, prioritizing practical beauty over fleeting floral displays.
- Disease and Pest Resistance: The selection process favors robust, low-input plants that thrive with minimal chemical intervention.
- Ecological Value: Pollinator-friendly choices and habitat-creating natives abound among Annie’s offerings.
Events, Workshops, and Community Spirit
More than a retail space, Annie’s Annuals & Perennials is renowned for its joyfully eccentric seasonal events and outreach to gardeners of all skill levels:
- Fall Planting Extravaganza – Complete with music, raffles, expert talks, and even snail races, this is a highlight for returning visitors and newcomers alike.
- Free Workshops: Covering everything from plant selection to garden design, led by nursery staff and regional gardening gurus.
- Family-Friendly Fun: From go-go dancers to quirky contests, Annie’s cultivates a sense of whimsy and inclusion rare among nurseries.
These happenings make the nursery a truly communal resource—equal parts shopping destination and educational festival.
The People Behind Annie’s Annuals
The success and cult following of Annie’s can be attributed to founder Annie Hayes and a team of deeply passionate, horticulturally educated staff. Many have remained with the nursery through transitions, ensuring continuity of knowledge and ethos. Their expertise is matched only by their enthusiasm; staff are always eager to share plant histories, cultural notes, and design advice, creating memorable and informative customer experiences.
Legacy and the Next Chapter
As Annie Hayes passes the torch, the nursery’s future is bright. With a new stewardship by Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply and continued involvement by dedicated alumni under the Curious Flora Nursery banner, Annie’s vision remains alive in the very soil of its Richmond home. This preservation honors a legacy of promoting plant biodiversity, garden beauty, and the nurturing of a botanical community for future generations.
Why Gardeners Love Annie’s Annuals & Perennials
- Unique offerings: Hard-to-find plants that let gardens stand out.
- Cultural knowledge: Every plant comes with a story, hands-on advice, and practical guidance for long-term garden success.
- Garden inspiration: The demonstration gardens provide living examples for every style and condition.
- Ethics and sustainability: A focus on biodiversity, heirlooms, sustainably grown plants, and fostering pollinator health.
- Joy and whimsy: A celebratory approach that makes gardening accessible, enjoyable, and community-focused.
Table: Standout Plants by Season
| Season | Featured Plant | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Nemophila menziesii (Baby Blue Eyes) | Delicate sky-blue annual for massing or containers |
| Spring | Clarkia (Godetia) | Clay-tolerant native with pastel blooms |
| Late Spring – Early Summer | Phacelia minor | Pollinator magnet, vivid violet-blue flowers |
| Summer | Lupinus regalis ‘Thomas Church’ | Showy, tall perennial with classic lupine spikes |
| Year-round | Tree kale | Edible, ornamental, and long-lived |
Sample Plant Spotlight: Clarkia (Godetia)
Cultural Highlights:
- Native to California, thriving in drought and clay-heavy soils.
- Planted primarily in late winter to early spring for luminous mid-spring display.
- Billowing blooms in peach and pink, loved by pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the best time to plant Annie’s selections?
A: Annie’s Annuals recommends purchasing and planting when the plants are available, as this usually coincides with their ideal dormancy or establishment period—often in fall for perennials and winter-early spring for cool-season annuals.
Q: Are Annie’s plants grown organically?
A: While not officially certified organic, Annie’s prioritizes sustainable practices, avoids harmful pesticides, and emphasizes robust, low-input plants.
Q: Do they offer mail order or delivery?
A: Yes, Annie’s has a longstanding mail order business, shipping carefully packed plants to gardeners nationwide. Their website showcases current offerings and seasonal highlights.
Q: What kinds of events or classes does Annie’s offer?
A: Seasonal parties, gardening workshops, expert talks, and festive happenings are held throughout the year. Check their event calendar for upcoming dates.
Q: Is Annie’s suitable for new gardeners?
A: Absolutely. Annie’s is known for its staff’s welcoming, knowledgeable approach, making even the most exotic plant approachable for gardeners at every level.
Visit or Connect with Annie’s Annuals & Perennials
- Address: 740 Market Avenue, Richmond, CA
- Website: Extensive online plant catalog, garden blog, and mail order info
- Open to the public seasonally; always check for current hours and events
Whether you’re a novice looking for your first favorite flower, a botanist in pursuit of the rare and unusual, or a lifelong gardener seeking new inspiration, Annie’s Annuals & Perennials remains a centerpiece of California’s gardening world—and an exuberant celebration of living color and horticultural joy.
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