Random Ramblings

Random Ramblings: Personal observations on a wide variety of subjects. Photographs of creatures and things that are taken on seeing the unusual as well as everyday things.

The sun daisy

One of my most favourite of daisies is the Dandelion. Round, soft, golden yellow, a spit of petals that is in fact a composition of tiny flower heads, which eventually all create their own separate seed head and feathery parachute which forms a delightful round, white, silky pompom. The flower head often faces towards the sun and usually closes as evening approaches keeping the many flowers safe in the darkness. There is wonderful advice in a saying about dandelions ~

    • ‘Blow the clocks near fields of crops.’

It has long been known that dandelions are the gold mines of the garden; they help other plants to crop more heavily and if allowed to grow around orchards and berry bushes, the fruits are said to generally ripen more quickly.

Dandelion

Dandelion - Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion clock - seed head

Dandelion clock or seed head

Dandelions have always been used as an extra salad vegetable. Their leaves (the youngest and most tender) make a wonderful addition tossed in a salad. The flower heads are often used in the making of wines and soft drinks. The roots are sometimes roasted and crushed – hot water is then poured on to the root to make a type of coffee. They help to clear the body of extra water but should never be eaten or drunk whilst taking medicines.

8 comments:

Russ said...

Now isn't that interesting. We consider the Dandelion as a pest.I never knew about the good things. I should have know there was a reason for them. Mother nature has a perpose for everything. Thanks for the information.

jeanlivingsimple said...

I have always loved Dandelions and have allowed them to grow in my yards. I knew you could eat them but didn't know they would help other plants.

Colleen from Tix-Comix said...

Dandelion I tolerate. Hawkweed no!

Ann said...

In my opinion, dandelions are far too pretty to be thought of as a weed. I can't believe how much money people spend around here to keep them out of their lawn. I for one love them. I had no idea that they were so useful in the garden though

Mhar's Display said...

I don't like dandelion either...i think it brings me allergies.

marms

laugh.sing.love said...

I actually love Dandelions. I thing they're pretty. lol But I can understand the people who like to keep their yards nice and green. :D

ladyguinevere28 said...

Never seen that Dandelion you saying. What we only have is just the regular Daisy..

DebrasDollars said...

WOW! I had no idea. I never knew fruits could ripen more quickly due to the Dandelions. Thank you for sharing this information. I love the variety of things you have shared. I have learned a lot here.

~Debra
http://debrasdollars.blogspot.com/