Reworking a garden is perfect meditation. For me, spring is like hitting a reset button. I’d like to hit a button to zap the weeds out. Is there a button for that, maybe an app? Especially for those dandelions.
I am always shocked by the roots of a dandelion. They can grow deep. As I pull a carrot like root from the soil, I think of my family. Can you have roots and wings? My family are a lot like dandelions. Now wait a minute…Hold On! I’m not saying ya’ll are a buncha weeds…but let’s consider the life of a dandelion. As we know, they have deep roots. What else? They can grow in groups clustered near one another, while the seeds seem to sprout wings. Dandelions grow randomly throughout the yard. Some are wedged between the rocks along the garden border or straggle the edge of a fence line. Others drift into the great wide open of the yard, showing off its bright, sun shiny, yellow bloom. Seeing a dandelion in the middle of the yard is like your skirt blew up in the wind. Quickly, snapping off the tall, lanky stem with that happy bloom, you hope no one saw your undies.
Did you know, the dandelion is the only flower that represents the 3 celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars. The yellow flower resembles the sun, the puff ball resembles the moon and the dispersing seeds resemble the stars. The dandelion flower also opens to greet the morning and closes in the evening to go to sleep. Prior to the 1800’s people pulled grass out of their lawns to make room for dandelions and other useful “weeds”. Every part of the dandelion is useful too. The root, leaves & flower can be used for food, medicine and dye for coloring. This trend has made its way back. Have you eaten a dandelion salad lately?
One of my favorite stages of the dandelion is when the bloom transforms into a puff ball. I love blowing the seedlings as I make a wish. Recently, I’ve been sending wishes into the universe being four of my family members have moved. Big new adventures await these beautiful searchers. It’s complete coincidence and not one is near the other. Both sides of my family are sprinkled like dandelions across the yard of the United States. Some in clusters, while others grew their dandelion wings. My wish for each one of them is to seek joy where they are planted. Embrace every moment of their wandering souls. It’s okay to plant new roots no matter where your wings take you. Put on some crazy, wild undies and show off your beautiful sun shining faces to the world. Take time to look up at the moon and gaze at the stars. You will always have your roots, no matter how wide you spread your wings.