Weedy Gardens and Dandelion Appreciation

Looking at our "garden" in early spring is a bit surprising if you are accustomed to traditional gardening and bare, tilled soil. What was a few seasons prior thriving with many different edible and medicinal plants, is now just a sea of dandelion, ground ivy, and violet. Even I, permaculture and "weed" enthusiast, often wonder how the heck I'm gonna plant anything in such a "mess" of a garden!

A wheel barrow of dandelions headed to the kitchen to be processed into community medicine.

Being inclined to work with nature instead of against it (and also a tad lazy), I must remind myself annually that the "weeds" growing in my garden aren't random nuisances, but divinely-timed friends and allies. The soil is full of so many different seed varieties at any given moment, but the observant will notice that what thrives in a given area from year to year will vary greatly. I believe that this is because the Earth knows what she (and her humans) need the most in that particular time and location. I always pay the most attention to what plants find their own way into my environment in any given year, and almost always I see a need for that plant reflected in myself or my community. I cultivate the plants of my preference, of course, but there is something extra magical about the plants that just choose you.

Dandelion, looking scrumptious for the closeup.

This year, for us, it is dandelion. The areas of our garden that are relatively new seem to be nothing but dandelion at the moment. The soil in these newly cultivated areas is still fairly clay-heavy and compacted. The deep roots of dandelion will do an excellent job of bringing air and water into the soil, while also delivering nutrients from deep in the Earth up to the top soil. All of these dandelions are going to really improve soil health, thereby benefiting our cultivated plants, which will eventually replace some of them. The "weeds" aren't random, they're here to help!

Joey and Dandelion on a sunny Sunday in May.

Not so coincidentally, I also happen to be in need of dandelion medicine this season. In my "weeding" of the garden I am using every part of the removed dandelion. The roots and leaves will be tinctured fresh and also dried for later use in decoctions and teas, while many of the flowers will be infused into oil that will later be turned into salves or soaps. We like to use the young leaves to spice up a salad, and the individual flower petals are a fun spring garnish. Did you know that dandelion is not native to North America, but was imported due to its high value as an edible spring green and medicine?

Dandelion Flower Salve, beloved for the brown tail moth rash that plagues many Mainers this time of year.

Dandelion has a long history of medicinal use, of course. Dandelion root is one of the best remedies for the liver, both as a food and medicine, as it cleanses the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder (with repeated use, not from one dose, it's important to note!) The importance of proper liver function is often overlooked, and dandelion's actions can be helpful when dealing with high cholesterol, constipation, eczema and acne, edema, and many other common complaints. Dandelion is a quintessential spring tonic, helping us move and release the sluggish nature of winter all throughout our bodies.

Minnow modeling a dandelion crown, which also happens to be a favorite snack!

As pesky as they can seem to gardeners, these spring "weeds" are a staple for our bodies and our soil health. I hope this inspires you to not despair when you notice the sea of dandelion taking over your lawn and garden this spring. Get out there and harvest yourself some medicine!