Each spring a war is waged across America: swords are drawn (hoes, tillers), weapons are gathered (chemical weapons of the most toxic sorts: Roundup, Atrazine, whatever is in 'weed and feed' formulas), and lines are drawn: homeowners and gardeners prepare to seek and destroy every 'weed' in their path. A weed is really just a plant growing someplace it isn't wanted- after all an oak tree is a weed if it pops up in the vegetable garden! Some weeds are actually beneficial to the garden. For example (see in photo above) - vetch, a legume, which reduces erosion when few other things are growing in the cool, early spring AND fixes nitrogen for surrounding plants to use!
It is a good idea to learn to identify weeds common to your area, and perhaps adopt a practice of tolerance for a few. Some of my "favorites" include violets, primrose, and dollar weed, all of which I think are quite pretty. Primrose, the most invasive of the above, usually dies back completely by summer, and provides some much needed greenery in the winter and early spring. Same with violets...honestly, the live and let live philosophy for these attractive little ground covers allows for much more time drinking wine in the hammock; I think we are all happier since I decided to let them have their run... Primrose, pictured here, also has medicinal qualities and is a popular herb for women.
And while weeds may seem like mistakes in our perfectly primped garden beds, Mother Nature usually has a plan...Spring greens make essential tonics and teas for detoxifying our bodies after the heavy foods of winter. The three most recommended greens for 'spring cleaning' of the body just happen to be the most abundant in my beds in March and April: dandelion, henbit and chickweed. 
Young dandelion greens are very mild and taste delicious in salads. Their leaves can also be used in tea for a mild detoxifying and laxative effect. For generations, t
his traditional spring food has been an essential part of a healthy spring diet. The same is true of henbit and chickweed pictured right and left: teas from these common weeds are very cleansing. Steep fresh leaves in boiled water, strain, and sweeten with some local honey. Be sure you have identified the plants correctly, and that they have not been sprayed prior to using for a tea! If you are uncertain, ask a local garden club member or botany professor at a nearby college...
his traditional spring food has been an essential part of a healthy spring diet. The same is true of henbit and chickweed pictured right and left: teas from these common weeds are very cleansing. Steep fresh leaves in boiled water, strain, and sweeten with some local honey. Be sure you have identified the plants correctly, and that they have not been sprayed prior to using for a tea! If you are uncertain, ask a local garden club member or botany professor at a nearby college...Yes, some weeds really are 'ugly' and 'undesirable', although that may just be a matter of taste...The best remedy is to chop them out like a warrior, and be sure to get them before they go to seed. If a large area needs to be cleared, use 20% vinegar (from garden centers that carry organic supplies) mixed with 3 tablespoons of orange oil - apply this mixture as a spray.
But FIRST, consider using the vinegar (5% salad vinegar of course) to dress a little bowl of dandelion greens mixed with spinach, spring onions and a dash of olive oil... There is nothing quite as satisfying as eating your enemies!
