As I wandered Home Depot the other day, I walked down a quiet aisle looking for fencing options when I passed bags and bags, stacked two stories high, of product promising me a weed-free grass lawn. Oh, I know there are intense anti-lawn folks out there, and in all other philosophies we are kindred spirits, but my 60/40 mix is simply not going to do it. I got sucked in and bought a bag.
On the way home, I was thinking about the upcoming weather and trying to figure out the best time to finally eradicate all the weeds (the chemicals require the lawn to be wet) when I suddenly snapped out of it. I am not an herbicide user. I decided that if I could put the dandelions to use, I may (hopefully!) come to see the dandelions as an asset rather than a nuisance.
My older daughter and I spend a quick 20 minutes picking all the flowers we could manage to. We tried some battered and fried blossoms. Tasted like...batter. Then I made this dandelion jelly. Delicious! Just like the recipe described - like spring honey. A friend who appreciated a jar said it was fabulous on crostini with some goat cheese, the dandelion jelly, and some finely chopped fresh herbs. I'd take food over herbicide any day. Wouldn't you?