Wee.....ds

I am not a great identifier of weeds.  I have probably only really waged war against crabgrass since it maliciously hides from my lawn mower and seems almost impossible to combat.  One of the best, non-violent, ways is to throw down some pre-emergence in the spring just as the forsythia are budded.  The environmentally friendly pre-emergence is composed mostly of corn gluten.  Because crabgrass is an annual this method is best for the pacifist; however, dandelions are quite another story.

I should have more compassion, really, for the dandelion.  Some people put dandelion leaves in salads or use them to make wine.  We can make wishes with the seed heads, and the blossom to leaf ratio is actually quite good.  But, I am not a fan.  I lie and wait every spring, weed puller in hand for any sign of the yellow invader, then I pounce.  It seems we will have just canvassed the yard, pulled every single weed, and lo and behold the next morning five more will appear.  It's a courtesy that they are easy to spot, unlike crabgrass, so they only have themselves to blame.

Lest you think I am completely heartless.  There do exist weeds I actually like and will allow a little invasion, and not just because I am lazy.  White clover has a pretty little bloom and adds healthful nitrogen to the soil.  I like the clover and will purposely buy grass seed that has clover in it (regardless of what the lawn "experts" say).  I also like johnny jump-ups (they look like baby pansies) but will eventually pull them when they get too uppity.  Lastly, violets often will grow where the grass won't, in both white and purple (yes, more purple!) and are easy to yank if you change your mind.