Michelle and I have noticed a great number of birds hanging out at Bear Butte Gardens this year – way more than in past years. We've had flocks of Robins, Meadowlarks, Sparrows, Black Birds, Prairie Chickens, and Finches. I've never seen a flock of Robins before this year. It was cool! We've had Blue Birds, Mourning Doves, and many more varieties. I've been asking around if other people are noticing a lot of birds this year. “No” they say. “Not any more than any other year.”
So I’m wondering… the birds must be attracted to our property for a reason. Then, the other day we noticed something. We saw a flock of birds land on our front lawn and start feeding on… Dandelion seeds! The aggressiveness and thoroughness of the birds eating those seeds let me to wonder if any seeds would survive the feeding frenzy! Hmm… maybe this is the balance Mother Nature intended? Those bright yellow flowers certainly seemed to attract birds. If we would spray chemicals on our lawn to kill the Dandelions (like many people do), then we probably would not attract so many birds – and the birds would not keep our Dandelion seeds in check.
Dandelions are actually very beneficial in many ways. They have deep tap roots that break-up hard soil and bring nutrients to the surface. In a way, they actually fertilize and aerate the soil to the benefit of other plants, like grass. Dandelions provide nectar to bees – and at a very important time of year when bees don’t have many other options for nectar. Dandelions have many nutritional, health, and medicinal benefits as well. Visit www.mofga.org/Default.aspx?tabid=756 for more information about the benefits of Dandelions.
With all the benefits of Dandelions, I just don’t understand why so many people spray chemical herbicides on their lawns to kill the Dandelions. Chemical herbicides have so many negative side effects also. Even though the lawn chemical companies say their products are safe, I have serious doubts. You might think that some government agency, like the EPA, requires complete testing of these products for the safety of kids and pets. Well, you would be wrong. And, besides the kid and pet safety concern, there are many, many more risks. Visit www.organiclawncare101.com/dark-lawns.html for more information about the risks of lawn care products.
If you don’t spray chemicals on your lawn to kill the Dandelions, then you get some benefits (like birds & bees), and you avoid creating all of these other problems. Win/win? Of course, your lawn might not be a “pretty” as you might want, but where exactly did you get your idea of a pretty lawn anyhow? From some commercial on TV? From someone trying to sell you something? Just sayin’.
Rick Grosek
Bear Butte Gardens
Sturgis, South Dakota
www.BearButteGardens.com
Rick@BearButteGardens.com
