The ground crunched under foot in the backyard. The sun shone through very few clouds. The 9 a.m. temperature sat at 27, and the northwest wind blew at 20mph, gusting to 29, making a wind chill of 15.
I walked right up to this dandelion, in full bloom, showing no signs of even knowing it was cold.
I know many people consider dandelions to be a weed. Not me. They’re one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring and last in the fall. Butterflies and other insects visit them. Kids of all ages like to blow the seeds from their ball-shaped seedhead.
The flower sure had my respect, and my appreciation for the beauty it added to my day.
Posted by Naturalist Anna on January 21, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Wow. I am surprised it is blooming in such cold weather!
Posted by naturesnippets on January 21, 2013 at 1:21 pm
It sure shocked me. It is sooooooo cold out there. It doesn’t look like it with the sunshine.
Posted by petspeopleandlife on January 21, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Nice work and thoughts about the dandelion which is edible (leaves) and, according to what I have read is pretty tasty.
Posted by naturesnippets on January 21, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Thanks for commenting. I’d forgotten the leaves are edible.
Posted by Scott on January 21, 2013 at 6:41 pm
I’m a sucker for weeds, admiring their hardiness and resililence. I hear dandelions make a good wine, too.
Posted by naturesnippets on January 21, 2013 at 7:04 pm
I think they do make good wine. I’d forgotten that. It looked totally oblivious to the cold. It was brutal today.
Posted by New Hampshire Garden Solutions on January 21, 2013 at 8:08 pm
The latest one I’ve seen was on December 21st. I’ve heard that it is day length that triggers their bloom rather than the temperature because it can be quite cold in spring when they normally bloom.
Posted by naturesnippets on January 21, 2013 at 9:12 pm
Thanks. I’d never heard that. It looked happy to be in full bloom.
Posted by Healing Conversations on January 22, 2013 at 5:42 pm
Huge dandelion puffs were blowing by me this afternoon totally unexpectly, and now your post. Coincidence?!
Posted by naturesnippets on January 22, 2013 at 6:17 pm
I think not.
Posted by caleephotography on January 23, 2013 at 6:31 am
I think dandelions are beautiful, in all its stages! And impressive it blooms even under difficult circumstances
Posted by naturesnippets on January 23, 2013 at 6:54 am
They are so bright and cheerful. The definition of a weed is a plant that grows where you don’t want it to. They’re welcome all over my yard!
Posted by Leaky Gut Syndrome on January 26, 2013 at 4:33 am
Thank you for sharing to us.this is fantastic.
Posted by naturesnippets on January 26, 2013 at 9:28 am
Thanks. I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Posted by bayphotosbydonna on February 3, 2013 at 1:46 pm
What a wonderful find Kathy! A week ago my mom told me she has several of her daffodils blooming along the woods behind her property. Crazy weather!