Spring would not be spring without a field of dandelions. The scourge of the perfect lawn, this common weed is due attention and respect. Just three weeks ago, this landed on the internet about the Chelsea Flower Show: “Four of its 12 show gardens will feature plants traditionally regarded as weeds, which are now being rebranded as “resilient” and “heroes”. Weeds are no longer flowers in the wrong place, according to this year’s organizers, but exactly where they should be, softening the designer’s edge and adding a wild note to far corners. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/apr/26/chelsea-flower-show-wild-weeds-vital-plants-soil-insects-birds

Before I move forward with this little essay on the dandelion, I need to retrace my steps. It’s been a minute since I’ve posted. No worries. It’s all good. Life, as always, is an exercise in opposites – meeting challenges and giving thanks for one’s blessings. My daily journal since January 1 is a lovely little book themed Strength and Grace. Elizabeth Gilbert never fails to inspire me.

Furthermore, thankfully as both a teacher and a student my driving force is curiosity, I have learned even more about this spring season than I had known before – or rather, than I had previously processed.

In the Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is the season of the Wood Element. Since I do not plan to write a book here, suffice it to say that this season embodies the revitalizing qualities of Wood – growth, resilience, creativity, imagination, opportunity, potential, and, thanks to the Yin and Yang organs of the Element, Liver and Gallbladder – a nod to sight/vision and decision-making.

And so, as I have worked with these concepts moving through each day, helping to shape optimism and enthusiasm productively, making decisions that need to be made and observing changes in the outdoors around me, I have made the decision to visit the common dandelion.

As many of you do, I’m sure, I find that in spite of myself, my mind thinks outside of the box and my imagination flourishes by observation as I walk my dogs in the morning. Sometimes we walk in the woods and I am startled by the sun rising brightness through the trees. Sometimes my thoughts meander as the trail, moving past a to-do list to a what-if list. More often than not, I create a message, Yoga practice, Peloton team FB post, strength series,  or email in my head and eagerly return home to work with it. I had not planned to do that. Where did the time go?!

I often take a picture of something that attracts my attention. (Thank you iPhone.) Thus, a few thoughts on the dandelion. Here in Vermont, dandelions reliably color fields a brilliant yellow. Here and elsewhere, we are urging “No Mow May,” and beyond, to protect pollinators and encourage balance in the natural world. And yes that seems to work a little more easily for us in more rural settings than in suburban communities. I get that.

Dandelions are functional as well as lovely. “Dandelion is native to Europe but found throughout temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. The leaves, flowers, and root of the plant have traditionally been used in Mexican and other North American medicine. Today, dandelion is promoted as a ‘tonic,’ as a diuretic, and for a variety of conditions, including infections and digestive symptoms. As a food, dandelion is used as a salad green and in soups, wine, and teas. The roasted root is used as a coffee substitute.”https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/dandelion   Hmmm. Are you game?

What about the nuisance factor?  Yes, dandelions are identified as weeds, a perennial, sometimes invasive, prolific and determined little weed.  “It consists of a complex of biotypes that vary with environmental conditions and is a common weed of mountain meadows and turf. It also inhabits perennial crop fields, especially those in alfalfa, disturbed sites, and nurseries…. Because dandelion contains high amounts of certain minerals, it serves as a complement to pasture forage for livestock. In addition to being weedy, the fine hairs of the one-seeded fruit can clog cultivation equipment.” https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/WEEDS/dandelion.html 

But let’s get down with this:  ok, perhaps dandelions are viewed with frustration when they overtake an expensively maintained lawn. But they are also viewed with wonder as they collectively blanket a meadow or individually speak of personal worth. A dandelion reminds us of rebirth, growth, that precious and delicate spring green that breaks forth into myriad shades and intensities after the cold winter months, and their own mini portraits of strength and grace.

Dandelions suggest healing and optimism, the continuation of life itself. Who hasn’t picked a dandelion that has gone to seed, made a wish, and scattered the wisps with our own breath? Today, perhaps more than ever or perhaps the same as ever, we are in need of and sustained by hope. In this season when we might employ the tool of decision making, perhaps the words of Nelson Mandela might be helpful: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

Here’s to the humble dandelion. And you.