Story Time – Tiarella

Welcome to Larson’s Story Time, where we prove that plants have just as much personality (and occasionally more attitude) as people! We believe the world needs a lot more room for the lighthearted and the local, so we’re peeling back the greenhouse curtain to share the hilarious, quirky, and sometimes downright dramatic tales of the greenery we grow. From perennials with identity crises to shrubs that act like they own the place, our stories find the humor in the garden so you can bring a little extra joy back to your own backyard. After all, life is better when you’re laughing—especially when you’re doing it with a bit of dirt under your fingernails!

The “Sugar and Spice” Identity Crisis

You could definitely have some fun with the name on this one. Here’s a short, lighthearted story perfect for a quick social media post:

“We need to have a talk about the Tiarella ‘Sugar and Spice.’ Now, with a name like that, you’d expect this plant to be baking cookies or perhaps starring in a nursery rhyme. When we first brought them into the greenhouse, I think the other perennials were a bit intimidated. The Hostas were checking their leaves for crumbs, and the Ferns were wondering if they’d missed a potluck.

But as it turns out, ‘Sugar and Spice’ isn’t actually made of anything edible—and despite the name, it’s not ‘nice’ to everyone. It’s actually quite the tough character. It loves the dark corners of the garden where other plants get moody, and it sports those deep purple ‘tattoos’ on its leaves just to prove it has an edge.

So, if you’re looking for a plant that sounds like a dessert but acts like a bodyguard for your shade garden, this is the one. Just don’t try to sprinkle it on your morning latte—it prefers a nice drink of water and a quiet spot under a tree instead!”

See those dark, dramatic centers of the leaves when you mention its “edge”—it really highlights why this variety is more interesting than your standard green groundcover.

If they have a plant that sounds sweet but is actually a “tough cookie” in their own garden!