The tutor shares his long-standing affinity for this perennial weed.

I don’t see “weeds” the same way many others do.  Land recently cleared, then left unused, tends to sprout scenic collages that fascinate me.  The widely differing colors and structures, abundant with energy and purpose, I find much more inspiring than a uniform lawn with some neatly planted flowers.

Yes, I have a lawn, which I do try to keep weed-free.  (I never use chemicals to do so, just elbow grease.)  However, the fringes of my yard – because of its odd shape, it has many – I’m happy to leave to the weeds, at least for a month or two at a time.

One weed I’m always pleased to see in my yard is the dandelion.  From the lawn, I pull it up, then drop it for mulch.  In the less-traveled parts of the yard I let it flourish, because I eat the greens (not the flowers).

As a kid I recall hearing the importance of green, leafy vegetables.  I hold up dandelion greens as a great example.  From March through October, they are a staple of my vegetable intake.

A caution for anyone tempted to eat dandelion greens from a yard: make sure no pesticides have been used there.  If you can’t be sure, you’re probably best off not to take the chance.

Dandelion greens offer a wide range of potential health benefits, which I’ll discuss in future posts:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.