It’s the time of year again when those sneaky little devils start popping up all over the lawn. Their perky blossoms shout out in contrast to the fresh green grass. I love yellow and green together. How springy is that? But someone has defined these guys as weeds, and I so it goes – we who are driven to coax lawns into being are called to do battle with them. Why is this? I’m not so sure that anyone really knows, any more than we know why we object to another human’s skin tone.
The dandelion’s name comes from two French words, “dent de lion” or lion’s teeth, due to the shape of its leaves. I’ve not viewed a lion’s tooth at close range, nor do I wish to, so I have to assume that some zoologist knows what he’s talking about. And truly, these little guys are formidable. They deserve a hardy name.
With mixed emotions, I prepare to commit treason against this emerald army. This year, I’ll avoid pesticides and an aching back by purchasing a Dandelion Popper, just $26 at my local hardware store. I’m troubled by its size and jagged teeth. It looks capable of eviscerating Attila the Hun. But I take a chance on it and take it home. To my delight, I discover that it handles easily and digs up each plant , then spits it out into my bucket with a pop. Wow! I just figured out how to use a tool. No small victory for me.
I’m just feeling guilty for destroying even one sign of spring, as these exquisite days slip off the string of Time, perfect pearls forever lost.