In the plant world, the lowly dandelion feels like “the other,” an unwanted migrant who must be banished from sight.

At their first appearance each spring, their biodiversity is shunned by many, quickly exiled from sprawling lawns so as not to mar the pristine, Lily White green grass so coveted by many.  

Often ignored are the benefits dandelions can bring. These so-called interlopers are a natural fertilizer, a food source for pollinators, and improve soil health by loosening compacted soil bringing nutrients to the surface.

But to many, they are an unsightly nuisance to the landscape and must be expelled.

Among the early spring display of cheerful yellow daffodils and pansies, the common dandelion is looked down on and snubbed. Their beauty is no less than that of a chrysanthemum which they resemble.   Yet, these hardy, prolific plants, commonly called weeds, are ripped out by the roots and subjected to deadly blasts of chemicals.

And every year they return.

It is their resilience that I love.  I love that they grow in cracks in sidewalks, along driveways. They are adaptable and thrive even in difficult and challenging environments.  

Natures Gift

Underappreciated dandelions are the underdog of the plant world.

For some, they are an annoyance, but to me, dandelions are like nature’s gift.

Free flowers for everyone. Just ask any child who has picked them and presented a lovely bouquet to their mother.

On my walks with Moe observing the seemingly overnight spontaneous eruption of these yellow flowers dotting lawns, and poking out of concrete, never fails to brighten my spirts.

We didn’t plant these happy flowers, but we can look at them through a different lens and welcome them as another sign of spring. It feels like Mother Nature’s quick and easy pick-me-up.

A cheery mood lift without any effort or cost.

Something we could use about now.