There's a Dandelion in My Yard!

I will never understand why people want to get rid of dandelions. Personally, I would like to recommend them for our national flower! Let's take a look at this so-called "weed".

First, dandelions are natural to the environment. They grow where they are designed to grow best and are appropriate to the ecological setting. To constantly battle them and try to eliminate them is ultimately doomed to failure at a cost of stress, time and energy. Instead of trying to beat them, join them!
Why spend top dollar to purchase flowers to decorate the landscape when dandelions are free? They are pretty little flowers, especially the yellow ones. With bright faces they liven up a yard, splashing delightful spots of color in an otherwise drab rug of green. Their leaves are large, hardy and expressively shaped, with scalloped edges. They make lovely, small arrangement on a coffee table or in a kitchen nook.

Remember the delight of blowing the white feathery heads of seeded dandelions? Children love to make a wish, then blow the feathery heads into the wind. Why deprive this generation of a custom many generations have enjoyed?

Every part of a dandelion is edible. In fact, dandelion greens are higher in iron and vitamins A and E than broccoli! Use them raw in salads or on sandwiches. Boil them like other greens. The roots can be boiled for a nice side dish. The longer they are cooked the sweeter they get! In addition to eating these versatile plants, they can be used as drinks. Dried and roasted in an oven, the roots can be ground to a powder and used as a substitute for coffee. It promotes healthy digestion, liver function and regularity. If substitute coffee isn't a temptation, then make the leaves into wine. The wine is light, with an airy taste. And, of course, there is always dandelion tea.

There are several web sites that feature dandelion cookbooks, wine recipes and information on this delightful little "pest". After finding all the things dandelions are good for, there are places from which to order seeds!.