Gardeners have been urged to refrain from removing dandelions until July. These bright yellow plants, often seen as a nuisance, are taking over lawns and driveways each summer, sparking a battle between gardeners and weeds.
However, experts argue that dandelions are not the villains they’re perceived to be, and there’s an increasing call to stop uprooting weeds in summer and instead allow them to multiply in numbers. The No Mow May campaign commences on Wednesday, May 1, encouraging everyone with a lawn to leave their grass uncut for at least the entire month of May – with some, like Sir David Attenborough, suggesting people wait until July before mowing their lawns.
At this time of year, many lawns are increasingly covered with a blanket of yellow dandelions that rapidly spread across patches of grass, driveways, and even into the nooks and crannies of houses. Now, there’s a call to ‘ban’ gardeners from uprooting dandelions due to the crucial role they play in the food chain, reports the Express.
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As explained by the Royal Horticultural Society: “Dandelions are now known to have many benefits and uses, transforming gardeners’ opinions from weed to wildlife plant.
“Their value to wildlife, providing food to many insects and birds, is perhaps the main reason why they should be welcomed in our gardens. Their nectar- and pollen-rich flowers appear over a long period and are loved by bees and butterflies which is why dandelions are included on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list.”
According to UK wildlife organisation Plantlife, we’ve witnessed a 97 percent decline in flower-rich meadows that house essential wildflowers and weeds like dandelions. Simultaneously, insect populations have plummeted by 60 percent in the last two decades.
The UK Government’s own research, as reported by Parliament UK, states: “Insect numbers are difficult to quantify however recent research suggests that in the UK flying insects have declined by 60 percent in the past 20 years. Insects provide pivotal roles for UK food security including pollination and pest or weed regulation. There are also concerns that pest species may be increasing with negative impacts on crop yields.”
Therefore, preserving dandelions can nourish crucial insects and subsequently support the food chain. If the thought of letting them grow freely is too nerve-wracking, consider maintaining a patch of ‘wild grass’ or making a corner of your lawn dandelion friendly and gradually expanding the area over time. For maximum impact, heed Sir David Attenborough’s advice and keep dandelions until July 15. Gardeners’ World legend Monty Don suggests June 21 as another viable option.
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