“It gives one a sudden start in going down a barren, stony street, to see upon a narrow strip of grass,
just within the iron fence, the radiant dandelion, shining in the grass, like a spark dropped from the sun.”
~Henry Ward Beecher
Every gardener has given thought at one time or another to which flower best represents him/her in the garden. A bloom that exemplifies our very nature and personality. Perhaps the classic rose, or towering delphinium, dainty ruffled poppies or fragrant four o’ clocks. So many varieties…vibrant, subtle, showy and demure and yet I say, “A dandelion for me!”
Yes, a dandelion. Roses are classic beauties, so true, but they can be a bit fussy and prefer a bit of coddling now and then. Poppies are sweetly feminine and delicate yet the blooms never last as long as I’d like. Four o’clocks are easy, colorful and fragrant indeed! They’re short lived, though, and to be an annual one must be committed to a cycle of brand new beginnings. As one who struggles with small changes, that’s not much my style. A dandelion though…
I admire a root that easily taps into soil and drives down deep to sub-layers establishing a stronghold. Though often plucked, trampled and mowed down this lowly “weed” returns unscathed and unoffended to set it’s sights on higher things. Natural tenacity and perseverance! Left alone a dandelion grows, reaching respectable height and setting forth a sunny bloom that mimics the rays of the sun. It basks only a short while before setting about the business of scattering seeds that will touch every part of the nearby garden and beyond. A life fulfilled!
As spring approaches and I set about preparing the garden beds I will undoubtedly come across many dandelions. Truthfully, I will pluck out each one from it’s much-needed space, save the greens and compost the tops. Even in it’s demise this humble plant will serve to nourish our family and new gardens to come. Nothing lowly about that. Oh to be a dandelion!
Never thought about it that way, but you are right… the sheer tenacity makes it a winner in my eyes. Plus, it’s YELLOW… the best spring color of all!
I think it’s worth considering everything that grows in our gardens. When I slowed down for a moment and really thought about it, dandelions are quite extraordinary! I hope to live as they do!
I hope it’s not presumptuous, but your words above made me think of me essay on dandelions–which will be published later this year. Here’s a link if at all interested (actually, it bugs me when people do this to me, but hey): http://deepmiddle.blogspot.com/2009/01/why-we-need-dandelions.html
Thank you Benjamin for reading and sharing your link. I think we agree that a closer look at a plant reveals more than meets the eye. How sad that a dandelion has been maligned as an obnoxious weed when in actuality it’s useful as an herb. Thoughts to consider!
How do you fix your greens, and do you notice a difference in greens from different dandelions? I ask because my Grandma used to harvest dandelion greens and cook them some way. i was too young to pay much attention, and my Mom doesn’t know. She says that Grandma would look for ‘black’ dandelions for their greens, but she didn’t remember what the black denoted.
Anyway, I was interested in the fact tht you compost the tops, since we are going to begin composting this spring, and I’m gathering info for that, plus the fact that you save the greens.
I don’t mind dandelions at all! They are very cheery. My son picks them and brings me little bouquets of them. Plus, my guinea pigs love them! I go around the yard harvesting the leaves and stems in big handfuls to feed to them. They will pick through all the other stuff to eat the dandelions first.
I love your little tribute to the humble dandelion. I like dandelions, too. They just refuse not to grow. Lol! And they are good medicinal herbs, too. Great for stomachache and constipation.
Thank you! It’s wonderful to hear another refer to dandelions as herbs and not weeds. They are useful and cheerful (and quite nice in tea)!
Oh, you are a woman after my own heart!!! I am so in love with dandelions. I eat the greens, sprinkle the flowers in salads, dry and tincture the roots. I’ve even made dandelion wine!
They are such hearty, cheerful, nurturing allies. My heart just sings at their return each spring.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this post!
xo
~Annica
Hooray for dandelions! Maligned as weeds and yet anything but! I count it as joy to live as this precious little bloom.