Dandelion-Gate at the State Capitol

I had to post this from Washington's Paramount Duty Facebook page:

In response to ‘dandelion-gate,’ when senators spent over 20 minutes discussing and complaining about the presence of dandelions on the Olympia Capitol Campus grounds, we’ve written a thank you note to the hardworking grounds crew staff. They have been trying so hard to keep up with all the spring flowers without using pesticides! The Capitol crew has been experimenting with natural and sustainable landscaping, including organic weed control, repurposed compost and leaves used to enrich and activate soils, cardboard and wood chip layers used to suppress unwanted growth, and planting drought tolerate native plants for habitat. These changes make the area a safe and healthy environment for everyone! 

Similar to cuts to our schools, grounds crew department has been cut 26%, 5 FTEs, over the years. We appreciate the example this campus is setting for schools across the state. Showing support can increase sustainable landscaping practices everywhere! 

Please ask Senators to fund education and thank the grounds crew.
Yes, that is hilarious that those in the Senate have time to be upset over dandelions on the Capitol lawn.  We all have that problem if we refuse to use heavy-duty pesticides.  I suspect that with that much lawn, pulling them all is not the way to go.

As well, I'd be willing to bet that some of the SPS touted cuts to the Central Office for next year's budget will be coming from Maintenance.

Comments

Outsider said…
If you admire grit and resilience, you should love dandelions.

They are nothing like all those namby-pamby species that just roll over and go extinct at the slightest human provocation. If other species could be more like dandelions, we could save a ton on environmental regulation. Instead of complaining, they should make it the state flower.
4/26/17, 9:32 AM
Anonymous said…
Dandelions are spring food for bees! Leave them!

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2015/may/12/dandelions-pollinators-wildlife-garden

FHS85
4/26/17, 11:51 AM
Eric B said…
If dandelions spread a little less well, they'd be prized garden plants. Pretty flowers, edible leaves, etc.
4/26/17, 4:01 PM
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