28th March Weed Appreciation Day

 Who would have thought...there's a day to celebrate weeds!

This day is designed to remind us that some weeds are beneficial to us and our ecosystem. Humans have used weeds for food and as herbs for much of recorded history. Some are edible and nutritious, while other weeds have medicinal value.

A weed is basically any plant that grows where it's not wanted, but remember what fun you had as a child collecting dandelions or clover flowers to make things.  

Dandelions are a food source for insects and some birds. Humans eat young dandelion leaves and enjoy tea and wine made from the leaves and flowers. The Native Americans used dandelions to treat specific ailments. Nutritionally, dandelions contain a source of vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, and fibre.

Not a lot of picture books explore weeds, but these two do.

And this is a good time to read Quentin Blake's The Weed!

An inspiring fable about the power of nature, encouraging children and adults alike to care for the environment and each other. The Meadowsweet family suddenly and expectedly find themselves at the bottom of a giant crack in the earth. With the help of their pet bird, Octavia and a magical seed, the family go on a journey to the surface. A charming, fantastical story about discovery, the potential for growth, the power of an idea and the importance of having faith in the unknown.

It is dandelion Day on the 5th April and there are many more books to celebrate this day. See Pinterest.