Relax and let those dandelions grow in your yard - the bees need them!

Leave the Dandelions alone!

The tide is turning against huge swaths of perfect andpurposelesslawns. But many still feel that need to get out the weed and feed, hastening the demise of the innocent dandelions the minute they pop up.

Dandelions and lots of the other "plants out of place" are actually not alwaysthe evil invasives we've been led to believe. In fact, even Creeping Charlie has a benevolent side when it comes to bees. Mind you not every weed, especially ones designated "noxious"belong in our home landscapes, but there are quite a few that benefit wildlife.

Bees and other wildlife count on these "first responders tospring" for survival. Maybe we shouldstart thinking of the dandelionas not a weed but a wildflower? And who goes around killing wildflowers.

Three Reasons to Love Dandelions:

1.Dandelions are an important first source of nectar for bees and other beneficial insects. Their blooms act as a bridge to survival for bees and other bugs that have managed to make it through winter until more plentiful blooms of spring appear.

2.Dandelions' stubborn and seemingly endless taproots help to break up soil and actually drawvitamins and nutrients closer to the soil surface.

3.As long as they haven't been sprayed with herbicide they are one of many foragers' favorite early herbs. Added to saladsand stir-fries they impart a bright and bitter flavor. Then of course there's dandelion wine.I ate them on ravioli at a local food-centric cafà last yearand they were delicious.

And don't forgetto make wishes on their fuzzy heads!

Thanks to our friends at the StarTribune for this awesome information...we knew there was a reason we loved those friendly little yellow flowers!