Beloved Richmond nursery and garden supply store closes abruptly

RICHMOND — Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, one of the East Bay’s go-to nursery and garden supply stores, abruptly closed Thursday, owners announced in a notice published to the business website.

For the past 30 years, Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, located at 740 Market Ave., has been serving the Bay Area’s plant lovers, offering one of the largest selections of native Californian flowers, drought-resistant plants and a wide variety of other greenery already hardened to the elements, thanks to the nursery’s “old-fashioned” approach to growing — starting most plants out as seeds.

But those seeking out the nursery’s wares will be out of luck for the foreseeable future. Sarah Hundley, who purchased the shop from its original owner, Annie Hayes, in 2021, closed the nursery Oct. 3 due to “serious and unexpected heath challenges,” according to a note to customers posted on the company website.

“Throughout this difficult time, I’ve worked tirelessly to explore every possible way to keep the nursery going. Sadly, despite my best efforts, the challenges — both personal and business-related — escalated much faster than I ever anticipated, and I could no longer maintain business operations,” Hundley said.

Customers flocked to social media with their responses.

“I’m so very sad to hear this,” Alisa Moore posted. “I’ve been purchasing your plants for decades, both at the nursery and in shops from Berkeley to San Leandro and now Sacramento. … You are such a beloved figure in the community. I’ll never forget how much fun your open houses were. I wish you the best and a full recovery.”

The future of Annie’s Annuals & Perennials is unclear. Discussions with potential buyers are ongoing and progressing, Hundley said, and any updates on a final decision will be shared with the community when possible.

In the meantime, pending orders are being reviewed. Customers will be contacted directly with updates on the status of their orders. Returns and new online orders are no longer being accepted and gift cards and store credit cannot be redeemed.

“Even as I step away, I remain hopeful that Annie’s legacy can live on,” read the note. “Though our doors are closing, I hope the plants and memories you’ve taken home will continue to grow and thrive in your gardens for many years to come.”