By Kathy Chouteau
A Richmond tradition blossoming with flower power is returning this year, and it’s the perfect way to welcome spring’s arrival with your peeps.
Annie’s Annuals & Perennials Mother’s 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 Annie’s recognizes moms and grandmas with one free yellow-tagged plant along with a purchase and a chance to enjoy a “pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming” 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: Annie’s Mother’s Day event, “Who can resist?” Truth is, I love going to Annie’s anytime—with its eye-popping floral demonstration beds, amazing selection, unexpected dinosaur figures and whimsical vibe—but I especially love Mother’s Day weekend, when I can be sure to enjoy it with my fam. Plus, I get a free plant to boot!
So far, I’ve never won the shopping spree, but I’ve sure had a lot of fun imagining it. Given that my birthday usually falls on or close to Mother’s Day, and my wedding anniversary is also in May, I’m usually wearing a makeshift floral crown in my Annie’s shopping spree dream. LOL, like I said, it’s a DREAM.
I like the “cottage garden” look, which in my translation means I’m a “messy gardener” with, frankly, little free time to weed—but I have beautiful flowers scattered everywhere thanks to Annie’s. Some of my favorites include the Nicotiana Alata (I love the lime green, which Annie’s calls “lime-a-licious”), Scabiosa Atropurea (in black, which is really more of a dark red/purple) and poppies galore, not only because they’re breathtaking beautiful, but also because they’re all low-maintenance and reseed themselves. With all the rain we’ve had this year, I’m seeing the beginnings of a mini-superbloom in my garden beds.
Along with all the flowers, edibles, free talks and more to enjoy at Annie’s, my guys don’t mind tagging along, as it’s a great place to enjoy some time outdoors with our pug. It’s 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 Annie’s Mother’s Day event and help her feel like a queen. Mother’s Day is Sun., May 14 this year and the event is, again, the weekend of May 13-14. Annie’s 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.
