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MichaelMeckler.com: Blog: Am I alone?

Am I alone?

13 JULY 2014

I have written in the past about having burdock in the back garden. The invasive root vegetable grows like a weed — well, it is a weed to most folks — throughout North America.

Although the root was once used in European cooking and is still used in Japanese cuisine, it really doesn't have much of a flavor beyond what you'd imagine a tree root to taste like. It tastes to me like a very mild horseradish, or a parsnip without the sweetness.

To much personal ridicule, I allow it to grow in the garden every year until it flowers, which occurs right around this time in the middle of July. I find the plant to be stunningly beautiful, including the spiky, globe-like purple flowers. But I seem to be alone in my appreciation of the plant's beauty.

Once the plants have flowered, removing the burdock becomes a matter of urgency, as the seeds disperse everywhere and I am bidden to keep the burdock from overtaking the entire yard. So this is likely the last week I'll be surveying their beauty until next year.

 

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