By Kathy Chouteau
A Richmond tradition blossoming with flower power is returning this year, and itās the perfect way to welcome springās arrival with your peeps.
Annieās Annuals & Perennials Motherās Day extravaganza is returning May 13-14, after a pandemic pause, and along with it, free plants and a chance to win a $100 shopping spree. This weekend Annieās recognizes moms and grandmas with one free yellow-tagged plant along with a purchase and a chance to enjoy a āpinch-me-I-must-be-dreamingā nursery shopping spree.
As an urban gardener and proud mom to Logan, a fifth grader, and Lulu, my pug furball, I honestly wonder to myself re: Annieās Motherās Day event, āWho can resist?ā Truth is, I love going to Annieās anytimeāwith its eye-popping floral demonstration beds, amazing selection, unexpected dinosaur figures and whimsical vibeābut I especially love Motherās Day weekend, when I can be sure to enjoy it with my fam. Plus, I get a free plant to boot!
So far, Iāve never won the shopping spree, but Iāve sure had a lot of fun imagining it. Given that my birthday usually falls on or close to Motherās Day, and my wedding anniversary is also in May, Iām usually wearing a makeshift floral crown in my Annieās shopping spree dream. LOL, like I said, itās a DREAM.
I like the ācottage gardenā look, which in my translation means Iām a āmessy gardenerā with, frankly, little free time to weedābut I have beautiful flowers scattered everywhere thanks to Annieās. Some of my favorites include the Nicotiana Alata (I love the lime green, which Annieās calls ālime-a-liciousā), Scabiosa Atropurea (in black, which is really more of a dark red/purple) and poppies galore, not only because theyāre breathtaking beautiful, but also because theyāre all low-maintenance and reseed themselves. With all the rain weāve had this year, Iām seeing the beginnings of a mini-superbloom in my garden beds.
Along with all the flowers, edibles, free talks and more to enjoy at Annieās, my guys donāt mind tagging along, as itās a great place to enjoy some time outdoors with our pug. Itās truly a Richmond institution and, to me, the gift that keeps on giving.
If you want to treat your mom to an outing she will remember for years to come, take her to Annieās Motherās Day event and help her feel like a queen. Motherās Day is Sun., May 14 this year and the event is, again, the weekend of May 13-14. Annieās retail nursery is located at 740 Market Ave. in Richmond and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more here.