Sue and I are both beginning our 80th orbit this year to become true octogenarians next year, or so we trust. We've taken care of both lawns for almost 20 years, but Not Anymore: it's time to let those dandelions run riot unless neighbour wants to deal with her own weeds. I will still mow, as I did yesterday, but after many years, we have given up on the dandelions. Fortunately, they make a nice showing, even though they are not exactly beneficial for the grass.
Suddenly, Eastern Ontario is blossoming in a short but wonderful season. Flowering tress are decorating the town in many places, and while I might look for better photos, this is the tree in front of my friend's house. I happened to be there so I took a shot and processed it with a very soft look.
As I sit in my chair this morning, the sun is reflecting almost too strongly off my monitor. It promises to be a nice day, a little on the cool side, but that’s alright.
My ex husband obsessed over dandelions when we lived in the 'burbs. He would be out everyday digging them up. When we moved to a 3 acre farmette he tried to do the same thing but it was a complete loss.
ReplyDeleteDandelions are useful to the bee population. My country yard and the surrounding meadows are full of Dandy-lions. They may look unsightly for a little bit, but I think they are just fine.
My grandmother during WWII collected eatable weeds to supplement the family meals. Dandelions were used in salads and in wine making.
If and when I move to the cities, I imagine perfect lawns will be a thing. I agree, just leave them and enjoy them!
Sounds like a good day ahead. Dandelions on the lawn are good for the environment I'm sure and do look very pretty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking crop of yellow flowers...weeds? Nah! I would love to see the blossoming tree at full strength...the soft look kind of makes me think my glasses are fogged up! Just my opinion though.
ReplyDeleteYou always say that. 😎
DeleteI've given up with dandelions too. And they are sort of pretty early in the spring!
ReplyDeleteAfter a while, you are just, done.
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
Beautiful tree in your second picture.
ReplyDeleteI have acres of dandies and they are beautiful. Even when they seed there is something pretty about them. Then, poof, they are gone.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tree.
ReplyDeleteMost likely due to the size of our lawn compared to yours, I've never had much interest in controlling the dandelions. My neighbor across the street however spends hours out there every spring digging them up by hand.
ReplyDeleteDandelions are good for pollinators--which are good for our world. Let 'em be!!
ReplyDeleteUnless one is an enthusiast about these things, I say life's too short to worry about those (impressively hardy) dandelions.
ReplyDeleteDandelions are cute, I don't mind them. Lovely tree!
ReplyDeleteThere are many dandelions at my rental where my daughter and two grandsons are currently living. The nearly 3-year-old is very excited to see them; he calls them wishies. It's given me a whole new appreciation for dandelions.
ReplyDeleteEnvironmentally, dandelions are actually valuable and serve in a variety of different contexts for various wildlife. I have never felt a desire to extract them, even though after the yellow flower stage they often look a bit unsightly.
ReplyDeleteWhen you dealt with them, did you mechanically or chemically extract them? To me, mechanical extraction is too damn much work for my liking (and my back’s liking)…. and chemical extraction utimately exposes us and other creatures to hazardous chemical I prefer to avoid.
So, either way, I say…. WONDERFUL to deciding to let them be.
PipeTobacco
The chill put the black flies back to sleep so I'm finishing up yard cleanup.
ReplyDeleteDandelions are valuable for pollinators because they're out early, before most flowers. They're beautiful, and I'm glad you're leaving them alone.
ReplyDeleteJG was out cutting for the first time yesterday and, yes, we have a fine, fine crop of dandelions. Also wood violets and other delights. What is not a delight is the calling cards left behind by our three seemingly resident turkeys.
ReplyDeleteYeah spring!!! I love the colour you have featured in the tree shot.
Eastern Ontario seems to be unfolding exactly as it should: a season of soft blossoms, unruly dandelions, and the quiet wisdom of knowing which battles are no longer worth fighting after nearly eighty remarkable orbits around the sun.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind dandelions in the grass but I pull them out in the gardens.
ReplyDeleteThat many dandelions are really pretty.
ReplyDeleteDid I ever tell ya that I have dandelions. They are difficult to control.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to make up some dandelions wine.
ReplyDeleteDandelions are useful to the bee population. Dandelions are very medicinal plants. I love their color. I have many in my garden.
ReplyDeleteDandelions are a wonderful sight to behold. I'm sure you have enjoyed all the new blossom trees also.
ReplyDeleteFred loves the dandelions! I would cut them or remove them. They are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIf you don’t put any pesticides on your lawn, I have heard that foraged dandelion greens can be really delicious. I have never had access to safe ones, so I have no idea. I love the glory of flowering trees! We are far past that stage here, of course.
ReplyDelete