It's a plantaholic's dream: 2½ acres of rare botanical treasures at Annie's Annuals & Perennials nursery in Richmond, California. Now gardeners can mail-order these prized plants from the nursery's new spring and summer catalogs ― featuring unusual California natives and cottage-garden annuals that thrive in the West.

"They have to be successful and easy to grow, not just trendy," says owner Annie Hayes, whose picks include Papaver 'Lauren's Grape' (at right). Colorful photos accompany fun ― and funny ― plant descriptions.

Order a free catalog at