Cherish your weeds!

Did you know that National Weed Appreciation Day is on March 28?

Why appreciate weeds, you ask?

It’s because some weeds are actually beneficial for us and our ecosystem. They act as nutritious food and herbs and some of them even have medicinal value. So take this day as an opportunity to go out in your garden and appreciate those weeds for the benefits they provide.

National Weed Appreciation Day was established to remind people that a weed is just a plant growing where you don’t want it to grow. Blackberries are fantastic when you find them growing wild in the forest, but are perhaps less desirable when you find them growing in the middle of your rhododendron bushes. That’s basically the details of what makes a weed a weed, and there are hundreds of ‘weeds’ that are incredibly important in health, science, and culinary uses. After all, dandelion wine isn’t just a pretty name!

The origin of National Weed Appreciation day is unknown. However, the acknowledgment of the benefits and value of weeds can be traced back to history. Dandelions, which are common garden weeds, remained an important component of traditional Chinese medicine for at least a thousand years. Dandelion roots and leaves were used as a tonic to remove toxins from the bloodstream to improve the function of the digestive system. The plants were also appreciated for their beauty and were used to make dye.

Chickweed is another common weed despised by many, almost to the point of violence. There are many species of this awesome plant. The most common chickweed is native to Europe. The herb is rich in minerals, including copper and iron, and vitamins A, B, and C. Chickweed has a long history of use as a nutritious edible green by ancient Greeks. It was also commonly consumed in ancient Ireland.

Some weeds bloom beautifully, some are even edible, and some of them act as a fertilizer for the soil. Although the origin is unknown, the message of National Weed Appreciation Day is clear — appreciate them and try to find out about their value instead of just plucking them out.

Which weeds are usually most prolific in your garden? Bindweed, ground elder, dandelions, brambles, chickweed, clover any of these or something else?