No Mow May

Leaving the lawn un-mown in May allows spring plants a chance to set seed before the first cutting, making for healthier, more diverse lawns. This helps to feed bees, butterflies and other pollinators throughout the summer.

Started in 2019 No Mow May was the idea of conservation charity Plantlife, and again this year they are once again urging people to keep the mower locked up for another month.

We've lost 97% of our wildflower meadows in recent years in the UK, and insects are in worrying decline with butterflies down by about 50% since 1976, and 13 species of bee now extinct.

There are around 23 million gardens in the UK. Leaving your lawn to grow wild - even a small patch of it can help to preserve wildflower species and provide food for pollinators.

Bees pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed 90% of the world, our supermarkets would have half the amount of fruit and vegetables - a world without bees could struggle to sustain the global human population of 7 billion.

Following the severe drought last year people are getting more used to having something ‘less’ than the perfect bowling green lawn - this really is a case of less is more!

This year, for the first time, one-third of the gardens at Chelsea Flower Show will feature weeds, including bramble, thistle and knapweed. Tom Massey, who is creating a garden for the Royal Entomological Society (RES) says he regards weeds as “resilient plants”.

The Wildlife Trusts and the RHS have launched a campaign called Wild About Lawns to encourage gardeners to champion dandelions and other wildflowers by letting lawns grow longer.

We know that dandelions are good for pollinators but there are so many things they can do for you!

Medicinal Dandelions

Dandelion has been used in many forms of traditional medicine for centuries. You’ll find them in herbal teas and supplements, where they’re used as a natural remedy to support blood sugar management and boost skin, liver, and heart health. You can learn more about them here:

Disclaimer - If you’re taking any prescription medications, be sure to consult a healthcare professional before taking dandelion medicine.

Culinary Dandelions

From salad leaves to tea your repertoire of receipts for dandelion may well be as limited as mine but here’s some recipes I’m looking forward to giving a try this year, just click on the recipe name to re-direct to the recipe.

Wild Garlic, Nettle and Dandelion Tart

Dandelion Salad

Lemon Spring Tonic

Dandelion Ice Cream

Dandelion Flower and Rum Cake

If you find and try something different please let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Playful Dandelions

As a child I remember the delight of picking a dandelion clock and blowing the seeds far and wide.

If you’re happy to help these flowers spread it’s a fun thing to do with young children and this delightful children’s song is a lovely one to teach them too!