National Dandelion day

Stop, don't drag those nasty yellow-flowered dandelions growing in lawns and gardens. This kind of flowers is not only considered as bouquets but also have a long history. April 5^th every year is chosen as National Dandelion Day in order to commemorate the benefits and beauty of this perennial that many consider a weed.

Origin of National Dandelion day

As the weather warms and the spring rains begin to prepare the ground for grass, flowers and gardens, there's another special kind of sprout that emerges early and often. Of course, it's dandelion! With its sunny flowers and far-reaching seeds, this tiny plant is part of spring and summer landscapes around the world. However, the dandelion plant is more than just a weed. In fact, dandelion is an herb with many health benefits. Dandelion leaves can be used in salads, soups, and teas, and they aid in blood sugar regulation, wound healing, gastrointestinal problems, and even vision. Known for its healthful properties since 659 BC, dandelion has been a staple food of many global cultures

6 fun truths about the popular weed

1. In the United State,  the capital of dandelion is Vineland

Can you imagine people actually growing dandelions? Yes, that's right! Vineland was became the dandelion capital of America. There are still flower farmers. Although I couldn't find it online, I remember in my Pine Barrens class in college we were told that NJ is the biggest exporter of dandelions.

2. They are edible!

Next time instead of spraying weed killers on the dandelions in your garden, pull them out and eat them! Dandelion can use for tea, salad, soup, and even wine.

3. They can be used in rubber.

Who knew these plants were so versatile? Researchers were looking for an eco-friendly change to the rubber tree and stumbled upon the dandelion plant. They use Russian dandelion to produce natural rubber.

4. Dandelion is considered a beneficial weed.

By definition, a beneficial weed can be eaten, used for tillage, or as a companion plant. We already know they're edible, but dandelions really help your garden. Plants have deep tap roots that draw water from deep in the soil. This will of course help plants with shallow roots. That root also brings nutrients. Pretty great isn't it?

5. Its name means lion tooth.

To me, this sounds epic. Dandelion originated from the French diente de lion. Speak loudly with a French accent you will hear.

6. Crayola has given up on dandelion crayons.

Last week, Crayola announced the retirement of its dandelion crayons, just before National Dandelion Day. You might think they will wait for the holiday before they get out of the yellow. In May, they'll be announcing a new crayon, blue.

Little Dandelion Seeds the World

A dandelion was found in a crack in the sidewalk by a little girl in a South African city. She blows on the fluffy head and "swirls, swirls, a hundred particles fly." A seed flies to the African plain, where it falls on the grass, roots and grows. “The flower fades. Fluff puff. POOF! ” and a lot of seeds are brought via an elephant and its cubs by a gentle breeze.

A seed flies on a cheetah's ear until it is swept by the wind and finds itself in Asia. Here it takes root and grows. As the flower turned fluffy, a curious raccoon gave it a swirl and "swirl, swirl, a hundred seeds fly". One of the seeds was lifted in a tornado and deposited "far, far away... in Australia."

This is a kangaroo, jumping along, jumping in a tree, now just a fuzzy ball. The seed rose into the air, dancing with the wind. A bead circled on a sailboat and clung to the clothes of a boy standing on the bow. When he got off the car, he carried the seed up the hill. The seed sprouted and a little dandelion bloomed later.

This little plant meets a skunk and a bird, and a seed flies to South America. Disturbed by a slithering snake, the bulge will explode, carrying its seeds in all directions. A little seed was dropped into the sea and then was found a rock to cling on the current. Down to the root. Up with a shoot. A little dandelion blooms in Antarctica. Another life of the dandelion begins. At last, a slight flick of the seal's tail makes disperse the particles, a "parasol” to Europe, where the familiar, graceful dances continue.

Backmatter includes an illustrated world map showing dandelion seed paths and approximate landing points on each continent, and Author's Notes on how the dandelion plant grows and grows on its own as well as a question to spark discussion.

By using repetitive phrases to express, Julia Richardson encourages children to pay attention on dandelion seeds around the world. Richardson's appealing storytelling will help kids guess where the seed will move later and also teach them the lesson about nature's ingenuity and resilience. The global dimension of the story reminds the reader that we are all connected through our common experiences, the species of flora and fauna with which we share the planet, and our responsibility for the good conserve.

Through the boldly textured illustrations by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell, readers travel the world with tiny dandelion seeds from sun-soaked African savanna where cheetahs and elephants roam to a bamboo forest verdant, where a panda will go out to play with dandelions, to the lush hills of a seaside town and more. In each place, local children interact with their environment, giving the reader a sense of inclusion.

An eye-catching and appealed introduction of the natural sciences will inspire an enthusiasm to learn not only about the dandelion plant but how all plants grow and develop, National Dandelion day will be a fun addition of lessons about science, geography and social studies for classrooms and preschoolers as well as public library collections.

Celebrating National Dandelion Day

Any plant is as versatile and enduring as the dandelion, which should have a special day for it. We all know dandelions as a weed in our lawns. For children, dandelions are flowers to pick and bring home to their mothers. But, dandelion is more than just a weed. Even many gardeners think it's just a weed. More knowledgeable gardeners know better. Dandelion leaves are edible, and are enjoyed in soups and salads. Because of being a source of vitamins A, B, C and D, Dandelion is used to make wine and tea. Native Americans used it for medicinal purposes.

There are many ways to celebrate National Dandelion Day you can choose. Eat them is a great way to gather with your relatives and your friends to introduce the joys of eating dandelions. Today, however, it is taboo to uproot or treat them like a weed.