Flowers? What on earth were we thinking? I found the theme for this issue easy yet difficult at the same time. It gave me flashbacks, and not always the good kind. We can all agree that Hogwarts is safe, but also not right? Let me give you some examples of what I am talking about.
Let's start off with an easy, pleasant flower. Squill is fairly mundane but it is in its simplicity that I find it to be quite beautiful. I never have to fear being injured by squill. Plus, a bonus? It's an ingredient in Felix Felicis, and who doesn't want a sample of that? I've also heard that some Muggles will use it in their cough remedies. So this is definitely one of the tame flowers used in potions, much like daisies.
Here's another simplistic flower, though with much more ominous undertones. Asphodel is a type of lily that hails as far back as the tales of ancient Greek mythology. Several poets have written of its beauty and grace over the years as well. You will probably remember it from Potions class as powdered root of asphodel is an ingredient in the Draught of Living Death... hence my calling it ominous.
Is this one a bit of a stretch? Yes. 100%. But it is a fairly pretty plant and there are so many different types of dittany, many of which do have flowers. Though, I'd also group several 'greenery' type plants as flowers because they can be just as pretty and pungent. This plant is dead useful as we have all, I'm sure, seen it used firsthand to treat a wide berth of injuries. It can be administered orally or as a tincture/ointment. I'd also bet almost anything that you've heard the many stories of how often it was the go-to remedy for our esteemed Minister of Magic.
I add this one simply because I find the contrasting colors to be so elegant and graceful. With its black stems and white flowers I find it to be simply enchanting. It certainly catches the eye. It's also a fabulous one to have on hand as it is used to counteract enchantments. One simply has to eat some to start the protection. Hermes himself was said to have given this to Odysseus to protect him against, you guessed it - Circe.
Hogwarts offers a plethora of floral views in its decorations. I can't be the only one who remembers the giant, umbrella-sized flowers that hang from the ceilings in Greenhouse 3. And I know that you have all seen the mistletoe and holly and other flowers each Yule as Hagrid really goes to town decorating the Great Hall with Professor Flitwick. We've also, on occasion had several Niffler's Fancy plants placed here and there when someone really wanted their decorations to POP! and SPARKLE! with the added bonus of being an ingredient in the Potion of All Potential. I've even been known to ask Professor Sprout to use some of her Puffapod plants when decorating for an event. Drop a few of the pods and BAM! instant flowers! I won't even get into the enchanting, yet oh-so-deadly Whomping Willow that has been known to have flowers at times. Talk about a dynamic decoration...
I've probably babbled long enough (or even too much), so I'll just leave you with this. Flowers are pretty. They have a wide variety of smells and uses, both good and bad. What's your favorite flower? Do you love them or hate them? Me, I am actually allergic to quite a few but often risk it just to be near them and test the many scents. Let us know your thoughts over in the Common Room SOUP thread!
I'll see you next month with more of my inane ramblings, Kalina.