Weeds... I Think NOT!

It's SPRING and for me, that means time to pick flowers, lots, and lots of flowers!  No, not daffodils or other spring surprises, I like to pick dandelions and violets.  While most people see these beautiful purple and yellow flowers as weeds, I see the yummy goodness that we can't wait for.  For several years now, my mom and I have been making special jams and jellies with all the wonderful things nature has to offer.  We find ourselves scanning neighboring yards and fields for anything that can be used for different flavors.  Of course we always do our homework to make sure that whatever we us is safe, but let me just tell you, our jelly only contains juice from whatever treasure we pick, sugar, lemon juice, and sometimes pectin.  There, that's it, nothing that is trouble to pronounce and the best part, all natural.  (did you know you can make your own pectin?)  I can post about that later.  

So while others are looking at those yellow and purple flowers as weeds, spraying them with nasty pesticides that are helping to kill off our honey bees, know that I look forward to those flowers.  They are one more of natures many gifts to us.  What's that saying?  When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.  When life throws you lots of violets or dandelions, learn from me, give it a try, make some jelly!  It's delicious!

Lots of violets

Picking Violets

Picking dandelions

 

Isn't it beautiful?

Well, gotta go have some jelly bread to eat now!