With spring comes green grass and yards dotted by bright yellow dandelions. The name dandelion means “lion’s teeth,” which comes from the French phrase dents-de-lion. These plants are edible – from stems, to leaves and even the flowers. Many countries see the dandelion as a symbol of hope, healing and resilience. I associate this lovely little weed with my beautiful daughter, who has, ever since she could walk, been picking our dandelions and gifting them to the people she loves most.
In this post, we’ve rounded up our past writings about this delicious and happy plant. Keep reading for ideas of how to use and honor the humble dandelion.
I love tea towels. In fact, I’ve been known to collect them when I travel. I think they make the best souvenirs and gifts. They can be both functional and beautiful. This easy craft uses simple household refuse, either a paper towel or toilet paper tube, to stamp whimsical dandelion heads on to a plain cotton tea towel.
I spied the idea to stamp dandelion heads on canvas to make art – like this tutorial. But I really wanted to make something that I could use in my kitchen this spring. And I love dandelions!
Click here to find out how to make these tea towels.
My grands love to pick dandelions, so I put them to work one day picking a bunch for this recipe for dandelion muffins. I knew that we had run Jessica White’s dandelion capers recipe last year, which was a success, and so I figured it’s time to whip up something with yellow in it for spring.
Enter Pinterest. My go-to place (isn’t it everyone’s?) for recipes and crafts these days. I found this recipe for dandelion muffins from “Montana Homesteader.”
Find out to make these delicious muffins, here.
You can do what with a dandelion? That’s right, dandelions are edible and have great health benefits. So before you decide to kill these weedy perennials, try out this recipe to pickle the dandelion buds into capers.
In my last submission, I wrote about my interest in creating art from painted rocks. These can also be found in the outdoors and often, your own backyard. Now I am going to tell more about another one of my passions, which is foraging.
Early spring you will start to see your yard covered in the very familiar yellow blossoms. Before the stems grow and flower, you will find the small bud at the base of the plant. They will be tightly closed and will look similar to little buttons.
When harvesting edible plants you always want to keep in mind where you are grabbing them. I knew my yard was safe since I do not spray pesticides, but I did have to keep away from Theo’s typical bathroom spots. Don’t harvest close to roads where car exhaust fumes might reach your edibles or where someone might be spraying.
Click here to find out how to make dandelion capers.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
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