As the first unofficial weekend of summer draws near, you may be looking at your garden thinking, “Now what?” Strange weather patterns this year have left a lot of gardeners behind on the season, but that’s no reason to give up.
Take an afternoon to yourself to explore a Richmond treasure, Annie’s Annuals & Perennials. The plant-o-rama bills itself as “2.5 acres of plant heaven” and beckons visitors to come indulge in some retail therapy. Annie’s, which is a grower and distributes flowers all over the Bay Area, specializes in rare annuals and perennials as well as native California wildflowers, so you get a lot more than the average garden selection at the drug store.
The quality is different, as well. Annie's grows most of its plants from seed, outside in the wind, rain and sun without greenhouses, so the plants are already healthy and strong when they go home.
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All the plants are grown in 4-inch pots without the use of growth-regulating hormones, which, like preservatives, can keep plants looking healthy in the store but, conversely, keeps them from flourishing in the garden.
The nursery is open seven days a week, and if you must bring your children along, there is a sandy play area, along with rabbits and chickens to keep them entertained.