“Aren’t All Weeds Just Weeds?”

Picture this: Grandparent, parents, and grandchildren walking/strolling/running down a path through woods. Grandkids from the city crowding around, listening, wanting to touch every plant the grandparent mentions. Tiny pine trees: “Can this really grow to be like those?” Bright yellow roses: “I hate roses. They stick me.” Frogfruit: “Why are the bees down there?” Lavender: “Oh, it smells like clean laundry!”

One group of three plants growing closely together: “But they’re pretty! I just want to touch! Why can’t I touch?”

No, little one, the grandparents will not allow you to touch those weeds, because those weeds will hurt you. Not all weeds are just weeds.