I feel a bit like that about buttercups and daisies but I do have to keep them under control If I had a medow garden then they would be left to creep and spread .
lots of dandelions here this year in oxfordshire too, the weather conditions must have suited them this year. We dig them out of the lawn, but like to see them growing in the lanes and our grandson loves huffing and puffing at the 'clocks'. I don't like anything growing in the lawn, but my husband always leaves the daisies.
I live in Wirral, and I was only thinking while out driving how many dandelions there are around at the moment. The grass verges are a wash of yellow! I saw the programme too about eating them...i wonder if you can do anything with their roots as when I did them out at home they are massive!
Why is it that Gardener's World do not make the connection between getting rid of perennial weeds and wild flowers that bees like. Bees love dandelions, Rose Bay Willow Herb, clover, brambles and many others. Bees are under threat and the latest scientific research shows that neonicotinoid pesticides are killing them (produced by Bayer and others). I have a wonderful display of Green Alkanet, Herb Robert, dandelions, Valerian, not yet in flower but loved by butterflies and humming bird hawk moths, all amongst my planted flowers which are all bee friendly of course. If you want a riot of colour and not a regimented display as seen in council flower beds, leave them alone for the insects who love them and the birds will take care of your greenfly. Shame on you Gardener's World for suggesting poisons are the answer!
Another dandelion fan here! I think I once read that you can cover the plants - like forcing rhubarb - to obtain less bitter leaves for salad. I haven't tried it yet.
.... Bees love dandelions... If you want a riot of colour and not a regimented display as seen in council flower beds, leave them alone for the insects who love them ...
The point about insects needing nectar is very important.
Just at the moment, there are not that many other flowers providing nectar.
I have a patch of long grass. Every garden should have one. I took these snaps this morning:
I'm sure other people can grow dandelions better than I can.
When I took this snap, I didn't realise that a ladybird had also sneaked into the photo (at the bottom left corner):
I need lots organic Dandelion roots. where can I find them around London? Help!. Not that grows on public Parks because they may have been sprayed with chemicals and could be dangerous for consumption. Help! Help!
If dandelions were rare and difficult to grow, every gardener would want them. I love the honey-sweet scent, at its best when they've been in the sun all day.
Posts
Another dandelion fan here!
I think I once read that you can cover the plants - like forcing rhubarb - to obtain less bitter leaves for salad. I haven't tried it yet.
The point about insects needing nectar is very important.
Just at the moment, there are not that many other flowers providing nectar.
I have a patch of long grass. Every garden should have one. I took these snaps this morning:
I'm sure other people can grow dandelions better than I can.
When I took this snap, I didn't realise that a ladybird had also sneaked into the photo (at the bottom left corner):
I need lots organic Dandelion roots. where can I find them around London? Help!. Not that grows on public Parks because they may have been sprayed with chemicals and could be dangerous for consumption. Help! Help!
https://www.baldwins.co.uk/baldwins-organic-dandelion-root
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
If dandelions were rare and difficult to grow, every gardener would want them. I love the honey-sweet scent, at its best when they've been in the sun all day.