Many people call me a weed but I am a friend and I am here to help you!
When you see me, remember that I am the ONLY one who wants and can grow in this particular place. Because:
Either the soil is too compacted/hard/trampled and I want to loosen it with my roots.
Or, there is too little calcium in the soil and I will fertilize it with the death of my leaves.
Or the soil is too acidic. But I will improve that for you too if you give me the chance.
I'm here because your soil needs my help so let me grow without disturbing me! When everything is fixed I'll disappear again I promise.
Are you trying to remove me prematurely with my root? As meticulous as you are, I will come back twice as strong. Just until your soil is improved.
Plus, I'm one of the first flowers of spring, so I'll announce spring/summer to you!
During the day when it's hot, I open my flowers, but in the evening when it gets cooler I quickly close them. In fact, if it's not warm enough during the day I won't open them at all!
My flowers are the first food for insects after winter and unlike most other plants, I have pollen AND nectar, not just one OR the other. I'm generous!
My flowers are even delicious for you, did you know that? I was called "honey (or gold) of the poor" because my flowers are so sweet in jam, sauce or salad. The Internet is full of recipes, check them out.
But wait until the end of May or later before you start picking me and even then, don't take it all! The bees will be very grateful.
The Dandelion
Posted by Christina Fortin-Ménard on
