Summary
This is a list of practical ways to use dandelions.
There are many reasons to keep dandelions in your garden and these dandelion benefits serve both humans and animals. Yay! From practical remedies to enchanting wishes, dandelions are sweet parts of the garden that are more than just “weeds.”
Read on to know the dandelion benefits that can appeal to most anyone, especially to those of us with sensitive hearts and gentle souls.
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Dandelions are natural ways to rescue bees caught indoors.
If you find a bee inside, try not to panic! I found a wonderful tip from a YouTuber that you might try, too.
Bees love flowers and are drawn to color. So, if you have a classic broom, tuck a bunch of freshly plucked dandelions into the bristles. Lift the broom slowly and gently toward the bee. Once the bee lands on a bloom, delicately lower the broom, open the nearest door or window (without a screen, of course!), and let your bee buddy fly away once it’s outside.
Pro Tip: Have your door or window easily ready to open first-off, or have a friend help you hold it open.
It’s easy to create a charming last-minute floral arrangement with dandelions.
Photo by Kat Stano
Now that you have some plucked dandelions, pop them in a repurposed pickle jar or vintage teacup and display!
The golden glow of dandelions will cheer up your home for impromptu guests or just for your own enjoyment.
Vases You Can Find Around Your House:
- Glass medicine dropper bottles
- Tiny jam jars
- Mexican Coke bottles
- Olive jars
- Vitamin or supplement bottles
- Teacups
- Small mugs
- Champagne flutes
- Candle votives
A delicacy for bunnies? Dandelions, of course!
Photo by Kat Stano
Are bunnies decimating your hostas and flowers? Try leaving some dandelions for these little stinkers! Not saying this is a perfect solution, but bunnies do love dandelions and maybe leaving some in your yard will distract them from your flower beds!
Dandelions are edible for humans, too.
There are many dandelion recipes out there, from salads to teas to even wine.
If you choose to pick dandelions for food or drink, make sure they’re in a pesticide-free and chemical-free area, plus not a place where your pup potties!
One of my favorite garden writers, Simon Akeroyd, suggests dispersing dandelion seeds (the kind on the white puffs that you blow to make wishes) into a compost-filled planter and growing your edible dandelions there. I’m going to try this!
I recently discovered this vegan protein bars that contain dandelion flower. They’re very tasty!
A dandelion field makes an excellent backdrop for fun photoshoots!
Photo by Kat Stano
These bright, buoyant blooms look striking in large numbers and can make a beautiful background for a photo session. All you need is a delightful model and your camera phone!
Dandelions can be used in soaps and salves.
The natural soothing power of plants can also apply to dandelions.
Check out Pinterest for a variety of recipes to try!
You can make a wish with a dandelion.
Photo by Kat Stano
Dandelions remind me of my childhood, where making wishes was just part of an ordinary day.
And if you need a boost for your spirits, making your own dandelion wishes is a good start. Dandelions remind us to keep the most innocent parts of us inside, to stay connected to imagination and creativity, to enjoy this present moment of being alive.
Kids can learn to make their first bouquets with dandelions, clover, and wild violets.
Photo by Kat Stano
Share your knowledge of nature with a young person. One way to do this is to make mini bouquets to give as gifts to neighbors, teachers, and family. This teaches kids about plants and generosity. Win-win!
You can also tuck a little dandelion flower under a ribbon on a gift or create play-time jewelry to stir wonder and make-believe. Ever make a flower crown? No? It might be time!
Conclusion
Photo by Kat Stano
I’d love to know your memories with dandelions and what you like to use them for. Have you made a wish with a dandelion? Have you improved your health with this little wildling of nature? Are you simply curious about dandelions because you haven’t been to the grocery store in weeks and might need to eat a salad and, hey, you have these little guys in your garden?!
Let’s normalize an imperfect yard by considering dandelions our friends, leaving out the chemicals that hurt our critter pals, and making room for imagination, discovery, and nature.
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