Mary's Blog

Is the dandelion the “flower” of the spring season?

It seems so! They have proliferated in so many gardens this year, particularly front gardens and verges, whether people like them or not. With so many dandelions in bloom, they have woven a carpet of yellow, which can be easily confused with oilseed rape about to appear in farmers’ fields and hedgerows.

Dandelions (from the French “dent de lion”, depicting their sharp lion tooth-like leaves) are classed as a weed – a plant that grows where it is unwanted! Dandelions are thought to have evolved about thirty million years ago in Eurasia and have been used as food and medicine for much of recorded history. The dandelion has diuretic properties and provides a source of nectar for most insects.

I remember collecting dandelion flowers from fields and roadside verges years ago for a relative who made a very invigorating white wine from them and just a hint of Pinot Grigio!

Would you believe that the Germans have tested tires made with a blend from dandelion-rubber and are scheduled to test them on roads during the coming years.

A tortoise I “rescued” from a pet shop years ago named Napoleon, survived by his ‘girlfriend’ Josephine, both believed to be over 50 years, loved to munch on dandelions, leaves and flowers. I believe dandelions extended their lives. Who knows, maybe dandelions could extend our lives too. Having said that, tortoises on the Galapagos live to 100 and there is only the roughest vegetation available to them.

Photo credit – sandiquiz

Gathering in the washing from the line this afternoon, I was greeted by that cheery chirp of the garden or European robin.

Actually calling him “robin redbreast” is deceptive, because it has a distinctive orange breast. This is because the colour orange was unknown in the English language until the 16th century.

The European robin is one of many species originally described by Linnaeus in his 18th century work. It prefers spruce woods in Northern Europe, contrasting with its preferences for parks and definitely gardens in our British Isles.

The robin is considered generally to be the gardener’s “friend” and for reasons of folklore – should never be harmed! They are generally unafraid of people and much drawn to human activities involving the digging of soil, in order to look for grubs and worms. My cheery garden friend is no exception and follows me around to see if I am going to unearth a wriggly accompaniment to the daily allocation of sunflower hearts I distribute. The robin can also be a night “flitter” and has been observed actively hunting insects on moonlit nights.

Would you believe European robins can be found in Fuerteventura. Very surprising, as the species does not breed either on that island or on neighbouring Lanzarote. They are actually wintering on the islands or just passing through during migrations between Africa and Europe.

Which makes me wonder… has “my” garden robin just arrived from Lanzarote?

I will never know. But it surely does.