New Moon Greetings – April 17, 2026
Dandelion Obsessions of the Negative Kind
My granddaughter shared with me that her neighbor has a dandelion obsession – but not a good one. He apparently is obsessed with poisoning and killing every dandelion that shows up in his yard. His goal is an absolutely “perfect” and boring green lawn.
In case you are unaware, the cultural obsession with immaculate green lawns began in England in the 1800s. The aristocracy could afford large green tracts of land around their homes with others tending to them. It was a way to show off wealth.
A lawn is great if you need a place for children and dogs to run around, or for playing croquet. But other than that it does not serve much purpose. And if the ‘perfect” lawn is adding poisons to the environment and sucking up water, it is creating a negative balance sheet.
Of course dandelions show up in garden beds as well as lawns and they are certainly prolific. But lots of plants are prolific (anything in the mint family) and they don’t get the hate that dandelions do. Dandelions are pretty easily removed by not allowing the flowers to go to seed and by digging up the roots completely.
Developing a Positive Dandelion Obsession
If you are challenged by too many dandelions in your yard, you might start by simply appreciating all that is good about them. You could still choose to remove them, but also admire their beauty, resilience, and tenacity.
Dandelions provide a multitude of gifts if you are paying attention. Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees. The deep tap root helps break up clayey soil and brings minerals to the surface. Leaves can be added to garden compost (be careful not to add roots or seeds).
Additionally, dandelions are edible, nutritious, and basically free and easy to find. The leaves are high in vitamin A, C, potassium, and other nutrients. Harvest leaves from a place free from pesticides (hopefully that’s your yard) and free of animal waste. The young leaves can be used as you would any greens, added to soups, stir fry, and vegetable lasagna. If you are new to eating dandelion leaves, the slightly bitter taste can be mellowed with balsamic vinegar.
Dandelion Pesto
Pesto is one of my favorite things to make with spring dandelions. Put all the ingredients below in a blender or food processor and blend. You may need to add a little water or additional oil. That’s it! Serve over pasta or on toast.
- 4 cups of spring dandelion leaves (washed)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp powdered mustard
- ¼ cup olive oil to start.
Other Dandelion Creations
If you look on line you’ll see recipes for dandelion jam, flower fritters, vinegars, and more. They also lend themselves to craft projects like dying fabric (which we’ll be trying out this summer) and pressed flowers.
Energetic & Magical Properties
Dandelions carry the energetic qualities of tenacity, beauty, and strength. In the face of tons of negative energy heaped on them, they are resilient and hearty. We can embrace those energies by appreciating dandelions in all their glory. Banish the word “weed” from your thoughts about dandelions and instead think of them as a beautiful prolific plant. Each time you encounter one let it remind you of your own strength and fortitude.
Let’s Remember Our Child-Self’s Positive Dandelion Obsession
A field of yellow dandelions is a beautiful thing – and we knew that as children. They have worked out a pretty brilliant system to distribute their seeds on the wind. And also make use of children’s natural delight in whimsy and magic. Take a moment to cultivate the wonder you felt as a child when finding dandelion seed heads. When was the last time you picked a dandelion, made a wish, and sent your wish out into the world by blowing on the dandelion seeds? Here’s an invitation to embrace that childhood joy and magic. Go find yourself a dandelion seed head and make a wish. 
About this Blog Post & and Qigong Practice
This post is part of my lunar blog series. I post each new moon as it is a great time to begin projects and set intentions with the increasing light. Topics are related to plants and ideas featured in my book, Growing Mindful. . Other topics are related to mindfulness, gardens, qigong, and intentional living. For more details and a list of past lunar blog posts, click here.
About Qigong – I lead qigong at Bluff Lake Nature Center in Denver on the last Sunday of each month. You can find the schedule in announcements on the home page. I have also partnered with other graduates of the IIQTC (Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi) to offer virtual HeART of Body Compassionate Self Care Practice Circles based on qigong and tai chi. Check out the information here: Global Healing Circles or contact me if you need more information.
