Dog Days & Dandelions

Here in New England, the traditionally sultry months of July and August are known affectionately as the dog days of summer. The term goes back to Greek and Roman times when it paired with the celestial phase of Sirius, the dog star. The Romans weren't fans of this heated season and believed it to be inherently evil, though today, amidst barbecues, beach trips and pool parties, the only disappointment one could project onto this last glorious stretch of summer is the fact that fall, and the bitter backslide into winter, will be following on it's heels.

But why bemoan the future when you can lie belly-up in the 80-degree present - the smell of sweetgrass around you and the sound of crickets in your ears? King of living in the moment (and master extraordinaire of sunbathing) Oscar dog likes nothing more than to spend a sunny August afternoon baking himself on a bright patch of green... which typically leaves me surrounded by vegetation and in need of an activity. Enter: the floral garland.

Favorite pastime of children the world over, weaving wildflower stems into crowns, necklaces and irregular lengths of rope is a satisfying way to kill outside time while pretty much guaranteeing a novel temporary accessory. There are myriad ways to braid plant bodies, and countless species that will oblige, but we like the following trusty combination: 



Not a fan of getting your hands sticky and culling all those beautiful yellow blossoms? Not to worry - dandelions have equally entertaining potential in their afterlives: as wind-spirited pom-poms and the skyward vehicles of wishes...
And on that note... stay cool out there, dear readers.