LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

April 9, 2016

Have you ever experienced feeling 'out of place?' Like a 'fish out of water?' Bridgette Jones comes to mind in the movie scene where she was the only one dressed in costume--as a 'Bunny.' Awkward! She would have blended right in had it been a real costume party.

Plants experience the same. Take the cheery little Dandelion that most of us loved as a child. The color itself is welcome relief to the doldrums of winter. Rub the flower on the back of your hand or tip of your nose for a delightful transfer of yellow hue. Most fun are the whispy white seeds that are easily blown to the wind while making a wish.

I'm pretty sure our elderly neighbor, Mrs. Cheney, received at least one lovely bouquet of Dandelions. She was home-bound and welcomed the gesture from her young visitor.

Who wouldn't want Dandelions?

Plants, without choice, indiscriminately grow where they land. But, a plant out of place is considered a weed, especially in a graciously manicured lawn. Loved by most in a different setting, Dandelions are despised when out of place. Location is everything.

Dandelion was named for the resemblance of its foliage to lion's teeth. In the 'language of flowers,' one of the meanings of Dandelion is, 'surviving through all challenges and difficulties.'

If you have a choice, grow where you are appreciated and can thrive. Should you land in a place where you are 'against the tide', brace yourself, the weed killer and lawn mower are on the way.

[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer/reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners and The Newnan Times Herald]