Please excuse the beautiful flower (Dandelion that only exist for a short period of time) most people call a weed. They are herbs that contain Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. They provide minerals, such as calcium and potassium. Not only are they low calorie, but they are high in fiber too and readily available this time of the year! Did you know that you can eat the entire plant? Our ancestors use to dig up and make dandelion greens, fry the yellow flower, utilize the plant for honey and also make tea.
OPPC has taken a conservation stand against spraying pesticides/herbacides on our lawn controlling the growth of dandelions in order to protect the pollinators (Bats, Butterflies and Bees) that visit our lawn daily. One pollinator in particular are Bees. Bees are responsible for pollinating 75% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of the world’s crops. That means we have bees to thank for one out of every three bites of food! Honey-bees are the most common pollinator and most important bee to domestic agriculture; a single colony can pollinate 3 million flowers per day.
Bees are vital to our ecosystem. Research shows that over 100,000 species of plants would become extinct if the pollinating function of bees was to cease. This includes apples, melons, cranberries, pumpkins, squash, broccoli, and many more. Without bees, you can say goodbye to many of your favorite foods!
Below are some health benefits you might consider before you spray your lawn.
https://www.prevention.com/…/dandelion-tea-benefits/…
https://www.assuaged.com/…/the-health-benefits-of…
https://www.lybrate.com/…/benefits-of-dandelion-and-its…
If you would like to read our post about Orchard Park Presbyterian Church becoming a 2023/2024 PCUSA Earth Care Congregation, click here.
