Hello Students! Welcome to year two of Herbology!
Congratulations on passing year one! I hope you enjoyed my class and are
prepared for another year.

Before we start with lesson one, I'd like to go over some basic information with you all again.

If you need to contact me for any concerns about this course, you may e-owl me at liftupyourvoice@ymail.com (Please
consult course announcements first – your question may be answered there)

This
course is nine weeks long. Your midterm will be at week five, and there
will be a comprehensive final exam in week nine. Week eight will
conclude with a review assignment mirroring last years. This year will
be different from last year in that your week one assignment will not be
due until week nine. That is because this week we will be working on
beginning your practical.

Here is a basic outline of your year:

Week 1 — Dandelions (Practical)

Week 2 — Classifying plants professionally (and mini review of last year's plants)

Week 3 — Wand Woods

Week 4 — Magical Plants in Literature

Week 5 — More Magical Plants and Midterm

Week 6 — Use of Herbology in other subjects

Week 7 —Abyssinian shrivelfigs (Practical—pruning)

Week 8 — Nocturnal Plants

Week 9 — Final Exam

                                                               Week One - Dandelions

Learning objectives

• For students to be able to hold an intellectual discussion on dandelions, should the situation arise
• To get students comfortable getting their hands dirty... and growing dandelions
• For second years to be prepared for another year of Herbology

For
this week you will be starting a practicum involving dandelions. If you
are unable to immediately start the planting process, I recommend
 beginning putting together the booklet.

The practical consists of two parts: the plant diary, and the actual growing of a magical plant.

Note:
While most muggles are aware of this plant, it is still considered
magical. This is not because of its visual behaviour, but because of the
magical properties. You will all, of course, know about dandelion's
ability to grant wishes by spreading its seeds. (Further detail under
planting the dandelion).

Dandelions (Taraxacum magianale) are a
perennial herb, commonly found in most temperate climates throughout
the world. This plant has also adapted to some more extreme climates,
and is so easily spread that it is such a good fortune to the Ministry
of Magic that this magical plant needn't be kept from the sight of
muggles. Its stem can rise from 1-12 centimetres about the ground… and
sometimes even further! The leaves have the same variability; they grow
from 5-25 centimetres, and can reach longer lengths. The dandelion is
named for its leaves, as they are thought to bear a resemblance to the
teeth of lions. The flower (yellow) tend to reach between 2 and 5
centimetres. Dandelion flowers open in the morning with the rising of
the sun, and close in the evening (or when the weather causes the sky to
darken). After reaching its growing peak, the flower matures into a
seed head.

Herbologists sometimes plant dandelions as the
herb brings nutrients up to the top of soil, as well as adds nitrogen
and some minerals. Muggles have used the plant to help hold loose soil
together. It is important to note that the leaves and stem of dandelions
contain high quantity of latex, and thus can cause allergic reactions.
(Remember, wear dragon hide gloves when planting). Besides medicinal
uses, dandelions are consumed in foods for their high vitamin and
mineral content (Vitamins A,B, C, D, E, K, and minerals zinc, iron,
copper, magnesium, and potassium). It may also be used to add flavour,
and can be found in salads, soups, wines, and teas. Dandelions are also
planted for their ability to grant wishes.

Some of the
medicinal uses of dandelions include treating inflammation of tonsils,
upset stomachs, boils, diarrhea, and flatulence. The leaves of
dandelions are diuretic, and help stimulate people's appetites.

Herbologists
usually don't allow pregnant or nursing women to take remedies with
dandelions. People with diabetes (dandelion can lower blood-sugar
levels) or people who already take blood thinning medications, should
definitely avoid consuming dandelion. Furthermore, anyone taking other
medications should consult a Herbologist or Apothecary before consuming
dandelions. Anyone allergic to ragweed, or members of the ragweed family
(such as daisies) should also be cautious, as reactions seem to be
linked. Children should be extremely cautious when taking dandelions, as
it can be too strong for their systems.

Your Practical Assignment:

PLANT DIARY

Required Elements:

1. COVER PAGE

Decorate
as you please. Must include: common name of plant, Latin name of plant,
your name, date started, date finished. May include: picture/sketch of
plant.

2. PLANT PROFILE

This is usually the second
page. Must include information on the plant including: other names
besides the Latin and Common names (for dandelions, this means list
Fairy Clock, Fortune Teller, Witch Gowan, Witch's Milk… etc.), native
habitat, any special growing instructions, and all properties of the
plant you are aware of before starting.

3. DIARY/REFLECTION

Every
two or three days, starting with the day of planting, you must reflect
on the growing process. Explain how the plant is doing, what you've done
to take care of it, and any properties you have observed from the plant
(is it changing the rooms energy? Is it affecting nearby plants? Etc.).
Depending on your artistic ability you may want to include a sketch of
your plant at each stage, or at every significant change (growing of
first leaf, etc.)

HOW TO PLANT THE DANDELION

1. Gathering

The
first stage in the planting process is to gather materials. In this
case you may want to use a small plastic cup, or Styrofoam cup, so that
you can punch holes into the bottom, for the pot. The great thing about
dandelions is that they are not picky about soil. You may use any
ordinary soil. For fertilizer, it is recommended that you add three salt
crystals, however fertilizing is not necessary. Before planting, it is
essential that one has at least one dandelion seed. Three is plenty.
Have a cup of water on hand as well. When gathering seeds remember that
Dandelions should always be planted in increments of prime numbers.

2. Preparing

The
second stage involves organizing the supplies. Punch holes into your
cup (very small holes) and place the cup on an old tea saucer, or a
likewise item. Fill the cup two thirds (2/3) to four fifths (4/5) full
of soil. If fertilizing, add the three salt crystals now.

3. Seeding

Depending
on your confidence, decide between planting one or three seeds.  If You
are using a larger pot and want to plant more, just be sure you are
planting an odd number. Prime numbers are even more welcome: 1,3,5,7,
etc. When planting a dandelion seed you must make a wish. For example,
think "I wish for [a date to the Midsummer Ball]" three times while you
plant the dandelion seed. Remember that the dandelion will not always
have the magic to grant your wish, as separate wishes may counteract
with yours. On the other hand, if you do not make the wish during the
seeding stage, your dandelion will not have the same strength in use for
potions, teas, etc.

4. Watering

Dandelions prefer rain
water, however if you live in an area where it is difficult to collect
rain, then use regular water. (Melting snow is also very effective for
healthy plant water). In the first watering, cover the seed, and salt
crystals, until the soil is medium-damp.

5. Grow Grow Grow

Tend
to your plant! When you check up on the plant, try to keep the water
levels in the soil consistent.  Dandelions prefer to have full sunlight,
but easily adapt to other lighting conditions.

Please
note: if you are going to consume the leaves, make sure to blanch them
(cook them briefly in boiling water), otherwise they will be very
bitter. Never consume dandelions that may have had contact with
herbicide, pesticide, and the like. 

Photos for today's lesson may be found here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.694823137252183.1073741837.618733468194484&type=3