When:
🗓️ March 28
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
2015❓
To Weed or Not To Weed? That is the Question
Greetings, my dear fellow gardeners and foragers!
Today we are here to celebrate a special occasion, a day that is dedicated to those often misunderstood and underappreciated plants – Weed Appreciation Day!
And no, this is not about the type of weed that requires rolling papers and a lighter, so put those away for now.
These plants may not be as fancy as the ones you carefully choose and plant in your garden, but they sure do have their own unique charm and ecological value.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of wild plants that grow like wildfire and often get a bad rap.
What’s in a Name?
A weed is any plant that is considered undesirably where it is growing and spreads like …well weeds.
They are uninvited plants in human-controlled settings like gardens, lawns, or agricultural fields.
However, many of these wild plants have beneficial qualities.
For instance, dandelions can be used to make tea or salad, and nettle is a natural remedy for arthritis and allergies.
But some weeds can also be toxic, like poison ivy or poison oak.
Beneficial Weeds in Your Garden
But just because a plant is considered a weed doesn’t mean it’s entirely useless.
On the one hand, weeds can be a nuisance, competing with other plants for sun, water, and nutrients.
But there are also weeds that should be tolerated to grow everywhere if they provide a good ecological balance for the other plants or when they have benefits as food or as medicine.
For example, dandelions have edible leaves and roots, while chickweed is rich in vitamins and minerals.
And don’t even get me started on the benefits of stinging nettles!
Now, let’s take a look at some beneficial weeds and their advantages.
Clover is a natural fertilizer that fixes the nitrogen levels in your soil and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Chickweed is rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.
The humble dandelion is edible, can be mixed into salads, made into wine and has useful medicinal properties when it comes to keeping your urinary tract healthy.
The cute little chamomile, which is considered a weed in some areas, can be used to make a relaxing and soothing tea.
And don’t forget about those pesky nettles – they may sting, but they’re also packed with nutrients and can be used in soups and stews.
See, weeds aren’t so bad after all! Just make sure you know which ones are safe to eat and which ones are toxic.
The Weeds for the Compost Heap
Of course, not all weeds are created equal.
Some can be toxic to humans or pets, while others can take over your garden and strangle your beloved plants.
High grasses should be kept away or kept short. Climbing weeds should be kept away from your favorite plants because they tend to overwhelm.
Some plants like wolfsbane are pretty but toxic. You should weed those out if you want to prevent your plant-curious pets from getting sick.
Weed Warriors Unite: Tolerating and Utilizing Weeds in Your Garden
Now that we’ve established that weeds can be beneficial, let’s talk about how to give those beneficial weeds their rightful place in the garden without them overtaking your garden.
Plant your other flowers and veggies first, then let the weeds have their designated corner.
You can also use a hoe to create a barrier around your desired plants, or simply transplant the weeds by hand.
That way, they won’t disturb other plants’ growth, and you can still reap their benefits.
In some cases, like with clover, you might even want to let it grow in certain areas. Clover doesn’t get very big, so
If you’re worried about pests, plant some yarrow, marigold or other companion plants to keep them away.
It’s pretty important to learn how to identify the beneficial weeds and give them their own corner in the garden where they can thrive without disrupting other plants. These plants will be very grateful guests who are incredibly easy to please.
Weeds that Support Ecological Balance
Apart from what you want to admire or consume, there is also the ecological balance that you will want to consider.
Like the before mentioned clover which fixes nitrogen in the soil, which can be beneficial for other plants.
And some weeds can actually keep pests away. For example, hyssop can repel cabbage moths, while wormwood can ants and white flies.
Yarrow is great for attracting beneficial insects and suppressing pests, while milkweed attracts bees and butterflies.
The Origin: The Wild and Wacky World of Weed Appreciation Day
Now, you may be wondering how this holiday came to be. Well, my feral friends, the origin of Weed Appreciation Day is a bit of a magical mystery.
Some say it started as a way to celebrate the first day of spring and the new growth that comes with it. Or, maybe it was a rebellious act against the monoculture of big agriculture. And then there are those who say it was just an excuse to get drunk on dandelion wine.
Whatever the origin, Weed Appreciation Day falls on March 28, a perfect time to start appreciating the greenery around us.
The Celebration: Let’s Get Wild about Weed Appreciation Day
So, how can you celebrate this wacky holiday? Well, the possibilities are endless.
- You could take a leisurely stroll through a nearby field or park and admire all the beautiful wildflowers and see how many different kinds of weeds you can identify.
- You could organize a weed-pulling party with friends and family (complete with snacks and refreshments, of course).
- Organize a community garden cleanup and plant some wildflower seeds to attract pollinators.
- You could host a weed-themed potluck and challenge your friends to make dishes featuring some of the more unusual weeds.
- If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try your hand at making your own weed-infused beer or wine (just be sure to do your research and make sure it’s safe to consume).
Make your own herbal remedies. (Double check if you know what you are doing) - You could even create your own special weeds-themed salad. (double check that you didn’t misidentified any plants if you are new at this)
- And don’t forget to share your experience on social media with the hashtag #WeedAppreciationDay, #WeedsAppreciationDay. #WildWeedDay and #WildPlantsRock.
Safety Tips for Celebrating Weed Appreciation Day
Now, before you get too carried away…
Weed Appreciation Day is all about celebrating nature and enjoying the beauty of wild plants. But as with any outdoor activity, it’s important to keep safety in mind.
Now, before you head out to frolic in the fields of weeds and dive headfirst into a field of weeds, here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while celebrating this day:
- Watch out for toxic plants: While many weeds are edible and nutritious, others can be harmful or even poisonous. Make sure to research and identify any plants before consuming them.
- Be careful with sharp tools – If you’re planning on using gardening tools to prune or remove weeds, make sure you know how to use them properly to avoid any accidents.
- Also, watch out for thorns or other hazards while pulling weeds. Wear gardening gloves in case of any doubt.
- And if you’re bringing along any furry friends, make sure they stay on a leash and avoid
- Protect your skin: Spending time outside in the sun is one of the best parts of Weed Appreciation Day, but be sure to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.
- Keep it clean: Leave no trace when you’re out exploring the natural world. Pack out any trash you bring with you, and avoid disturbing wildlife or plants.
- Look out for wildlife: Keep an eye out for animals that may be living in the area where you’re foraging. Avoid disturbing nests or dens, and give animals plenty of space.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is key to staying healthy and happy on Weed Appreciation Day. Bring plenty of water with you, especially if you plan to spend the day outside.
- Take breaks and stay active: If you’re spending a lot of time foraging or exploring, be sure to take regular breaks and move around a bit. Stretch your legs, do some simple exercises, or even break out into a little happy spring dance to keep your body and mind energized.
- Keep pets and other animals away – Some plants may be toxic to animals, so make sure to keep your pets and other animals away from any areas where you’re handling or growing weeds.
With these safety tips in mind, you’re sure to have a safe and fun Weed Appreciation Day celebration!
A Garden of Weeds – A Celebration of Nature’s Balance
Weeds, often seen as unwanted invaders, are often actually beneficial for the garden and the environment.
They provide food for insects and animals, keep pests away, and promote biodiversity.
With a little knowledge and care, we can create a garden that is a haven of beauty, pleasure and sustainability for both us and nature.
So get out there, explore, and give the wild plants that grow like weeds in your garden and in the great outdoors the appreciation they deserve.
And if anyone questions why you’re celebrating, just tell them Wild Calendar gave you all the permission you need.
Happy Weed Appreciation Day!
