Although it’s possible dandelions arrived on the Mayflower, they do not get the esteem they deserve as plucky immigrants that put down firm roots in a new land, or as a vitamin-packed culinary delight, or as a multi-purpose herbal remedy. [Read more…] about Call the Dogs off the Lions
wildflowers
Discover Wildflowers Right Outside Your Door
You can find wildflowers just about anywhere, at your local park, in your backyard, in fields and forests, and along roadsides. Not only are they nice to look at, but can be food for wildlife, including pollinators. Wildlife may eat the leaves, flowers, seeds or stems. [Read more…] about Discover Wildflowers Right Outside Your Door
Trillium: A Beauty of the Spring Woods
Once, when I was little, I was so thrilled to come across a gorgeous, dark-red trillium that I picked it and placed it in a vase in the house. I was disappointed when it quickly wilted.
Not only that, but it smelled bad. Such is the dual nature of this spring wildflower: stunningly beautiful, with a scent that appeals to carrion flies. [Read more…] about Trillium: A Beauty of the Spring Woods
Dandelions: You Can Eat Them, Here’s How
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are probably the most recognized of all broadleaf ‘weeds.’
Many people consider them a curse; a plant that can establish quickly, by seed, in a well-kept lawn and become extremely difficult to eradicate. [Read more…] about Dandelions: You Can Eat Them, Here’s How
The Varied (and Not-So-Shrinking) Violet
One of the first spring wildflowers you’ll see – perhaps even before the last shaded patches of snow disappear – is the violet. This common flower, which blooms from April through June, is widely known and easily identified. [Read more…] about The Varied (and Not-So-Shrinking) Violet
Yard Squid: Dandelion Crowns Tempura
In this time of social distancing and sometimes limited fresh produce in the grocery stores, there is an alternative, free means of supplementing any diet with delicious, free-range greens while enjoying the outdoors. [Read more…] about Yard Squid: Dandelion Crowns Tempura