In Spring many a homeowner’s fancy turns to their lawn. Love it for its green color we’ve missed or loathe it for the dandelions that show up.
Naturally, the dandelions are the first to the party in our yards! Their flower heads barely peeking out from the soil where you can’t see them, then suddenly BAM, there they are.
Hello homeowner, I’ve missed you…
Our LEARN articles are loaded with lawn information. Here’s a link on how to apply weed killer properly if you loathe the dandelion. And the whole Lawn Care series.
If you love the dandelion, of course, there is the option of allowing them to linger in your lawn to provide sustenance to YOU, some birds and, perhaps, bees. What you say, Garden Scoop? PERHAPS, the bees? Aren’t we supposed to do everything we can to provide for them?
Short answer, sure. Larger answer, there are better nectar and pollen options for bees than dandelions.
Photo by FreeBigPictures.com
Bees are cool with dandelions in a landscape full of grass; but those cheery yellow flowers don’t provide the most nutritious pollen for bees.
A yard full of snow drops, winter aconite, crocus, Lenten rose, blue scilla, grape hyacinths, daffodils, and Virginia bluebells will also give bees these early nectar sources. And more nutrition.
Honeymoon Rome in Red Lenten rose
Pussy Willow is an excellent choice to provide early nectar for the bees!
But who will benefit most from dandelions? Well, several birds eat dandelion flowers, buds and seeds, and hummingbirds use the seeds as construction materials for their nests. Sulphur, Admiral, and Comma butterflies like visiting the blooms too.
Humans also benefit, if you’re into foraging, and there are no chemicals on your lawn! There are plenty of recipes out there on the internet for dandelion fritters, salads, wine and medicinal concoctions.
Photo from Pixabay
