backyard forager :: dandelion leaves

the conditions were 

right

the timing

perfect

the sun

shining bright

who could ask for more

living on an acre

and a half

has its challenges

and 

its rewards

i learned early on

that this family of mine

loves to play 

outdoors

and they don't take it easy on the yard

biking

quading

badminton competing
croquet playing

Frisbee throwing

ball catching

dog chasing

it sees a lot of action

a pristine 

immaculate

plush manicured lawn

is a thing

found only in glossy magazines

or a drive through

a nearby subdivision

where each yard is a beautiful

shade of emerald

pulling in my drive

i see another type of beauty

in the

"weeds"

weeds that tolerate the hot

August heat

keep their nice shade of khaki
intermingled with
bright green crab grass
beautifully self-maintained

without the constant watering

feeding

or treating with

-cides

necessary to keep the green

all that to say

my yard is 

au naturale

like me!

i've trained my brain to think of

the dandelion 

as a flower from heaven

my yard

God's flower bed

planting where He thinks best
and

who am i to disagree

God don't make mistakes

is there any sweeter 

mother's day gift

than a hand-picked bouquet

of dandelions

held by dirty, chubby little fingers

presented with

a big smile
and love-filled eyes

i think
not

this year 

i turned my attention

to their leaves

i watch enough survivor shows

to be dangerous

and now

after a little research

i know
i could live on these
delicacies

when to pick:

before the bloom

when leaves are tender

where to pick:

where dandelions

prosper

what not to pick:

roadside

chemically treated areas

doggie dumping grounds

in other words

i need go no further

than my 

own backyard

(as well as front and side)

while dodging the dog kennel

with that
common sense approach
i went about the business

i hope you
enjoyed this
garden tour

as i went about a little

backyard foraging



stop back for
part 2
when i put these
garden greens
to good use

God bless the dandelion
manna from heaven

:)

what does your 

garden hold?