Dandy Lions?

Spring is raining down on my lovely phenology site lately! With these showers comes growth of bright green grasses and new budding flowers. However, it also brings "a lawn's worst nightmare": dandelions. My phenology spot is no exception to this and has a bunch of yellow spots covering the sides of the creek. While most households find these annoying and attempt to spray them away with pesticides, they are actually fairly beneficial to the environment at Pioneer Park.

They help attract insects that pollinate not only their plants but other plants as well. Bees tend to enjoy the nectar from dandelions and since dandelions are usually seen in large groups, this proves to be a primary source for bees. According to countryfarm-lifestyles.com, dandelions are great for having in your garden in general. They have long roots that grow deep in the soil and add enriching nutrients in the ground that is beneficial for growth for all plants. They also naturally produce a gas that helps neighboring fruit to ripen! Although they aren't the most sightly flowering plant, they are very helpful for the dirt and animals alike.

So next time you go make a wish while blowing dandelion seeds, remember that you are actually helping the environment around you!