Have you noticed the Dandelions that have popped up everywhere this week? I have seen hundreds of them pop up amongst the grass verges of the streets, in the grassy fields and forcing there way into peoples flower borders. Many people view the Dandelion as a pest and a weed but I have much respect for the Dandelion. There are many stories associated with the Dandelion, I was told as a child if I picked them I would pee the bed! This is not true as I pick them all Spring and Summer. I do think this story comes from the yellow pigment that comes from the flower head if rubbed on your skin or clothing.
Throughout the week I am going to post fun facts about the Dandelion on our facebook and Instagram pages which you can join in with.
Today why don't you see if you can find a Dandelion, possibly even dig one up and look for the different parts of the plant. The root, the leaves, the stem and the flower. Also try and look at the Dandelions in the mornng when you first get up and again through the day. What do you notice?
Now you have found the Dandelion there is so much you can do. Why don't you see if you can:
Make a Dandelion chain or crown
Draw with the flower heads
Paint a dandelion using a fork for its petals
Make some Dandelion natural coloured playdough.
You will need:
A handful of Dandelion flowers
1 cup of boiling water
2 cups of flour
1/3 cup of salt
2 teaspoons of oil (baby, vegetable or olice)
2 teaspoons cream of tartar.
1.First tear up the flower heads so you have lots of loose petals and place these in a bowl.
2.Add the water (If you would like your playdough to have a strong yellow colour then leave the petals in the water overnight or alternatively whizz up the water and Dandelion heads in a blender)
3.Ensure the water is still hot (you will need to re-heat in a pan if left overnight) and add oil, salt and cream of tartar. Stir until salt is dissolved.
4.Now add the flour gradually, stirring at first and then get your hands in to knead the mixture together until it no longer sticks.
On Wednesday we will be looking at the Dandelion lifecycle and the Dandelion clock as well as posting some Dandelion recipies, YES every part of the Dandelion can be eaten! Please remember to be safe and only pick flowers when you have permission and there is an abundance of them so we leave some for the bees.