This blog popped up on my Facebook page today as a "4 Years Ago" memory. It's still true. This little dandelion gardener will be 6 this year.
I have the most beautiful array of little yellow flowers all over my back yard. 
Some of my neighbors hate them and do everything they can to get rid of them, but not me. No way. When my little 18 month old granddaughter walks out into the yard and says, "Wow," I'm committed to seeing that pure joy on her face as long as those lovely little dandelions will stay there.
Amelia loves to pick bouquets of them and carry them around showing everyone. Well, at least she shows her grandparents. She picks up the seed heads and blows them all over the neighborhood. I'm sure my neighbors love me. But, the truth is, I'll give up a perfect lawn for a perfect smile any day. If she wants to be wowed by the dandelions in my yard, then I say, "Let's plant more!"
Ironically, dandelions have a much broader history than just a gardeners annoyance. I use dandelions as part of my juice drinks. They have great health benefits, but they've also been used to dye clothing and they've even been consumed as a readily available food for humans and animals. They open up every morning to greet the sun, and they go back to sleep in the evening as the moon makes its appearance.
I do envy my neighbors with their beautifully manicured lawns that are meticulously sculpted to look like perfect in every way, but for the few years that they bring a smile to her face and excitement to her heart, Amelia will have dandelions. Great lawns can wait. Great moments can't.
