As pretty as they are, letting dandelions grow wild and unfettered is simply not an option. Sure, the golden blooms may call to mind the raw beauty of nature; but, the resulting unkempt lawn is bound to make you a neighborhood pariah, infecting the well-manicured lawns of any neighbor within a 5 mile radius with those airborne seedlings, and draw side-way glances and blame whenever property values drop. The problem with dandelions is that they are weeds (pretty weeds) and weeds don’t belong on the lawns of responsible homeowners. In other words, dandelions must die!

Of course, it’s still a shame to let anything beautiful go to waste, especially when you can use dandelion medicinal benefits to support your body among other things. So…

Here are 4 ways to get a bit more enjoyment out of this sunny infestation once you’ve rooted it out.

WARNING: lay off the weedkillers and fertilizers if you intend to try these tricks! And, if you or a family member have ragweed allergies, you should avoid contact with dandelions or consult a doctor prior to doing so.

Dine on Dandelion: The entire dandelion is edible and delicious, if properly prepared. Check out this recipe for Sweet and Sour Dandelion Greens for just one of countless meal ideas.

Delicious Dandelion Drinks: Dandelion also makes a great tea or wine. Just check out this four ingredient dandelion wine recipe.

Doctored by Dandelion: Dandelions when eaten are high in Vitamin K (74% daily dietary value) and Vitamin A (64%), as well as Calcium (19%) and Iron (24%). Dandelions are also celebrated for their possible medicinal properties as they contain chemicals which may reduce swelling and inflammation among other ailments. Check out this step-by-step process for making your own Dandelion Infused Oil to promote healthy skin.

Dandelion Your Dirt: With all the nutrition packed into those lawn destroying dandelions, it’s easy to see why dandelion fertilizer could end up being as good for your garden as it was bad for your lawn. Here’s the basic process for making fertilizer out of any unwanted weeds.

With the unassuming beauty of the dandelion, pulling them root to stem from the lawn can be rather bittersweet. After all, who hasn’t noticed how their unruly blooms swaying serenely in the unkempt fields along the highway make a long drive feel like a pleasant stroll in the park, or how they brighten even the most decrepit and dilapidated farm house with their sunny sprouts? And who can forget the childhood memories of sending their seedlings to the wind with a gentle blow and a little prayer? At least now you know how to put these surprisingly lovely ragweeds to use, even if you can’t allow their beauty to flourish in your lawn.

And, if you need help keeping your lawn pristine, find the right local landscaper by visiting  TalkLocal or the iPhone/Android app.