Appetiser 1/25

@Oriental Orchids

Flowers & Flourishes
"Good morning, Mekmek!" called Filliper.
"Good morning to you too!" responded Mekmek, shaking paws with his friend. "So—which of our senses are in for a battering today?"
They both looked round. As one, they said: "Smell!"
"Right," said Filliper, "immersion one. Look at these orchids! It says 'Phalaenopsis orchids (pronounced fal-a-nop-sis) are available in a variety of colours and are commonly known as Moth orchids, as their appearance is said to be similar to that of a flying moth. The name comes indeed from Greek phalaina meaning a moth and opsis meaning resemblance.' "

Appetiser 2/25

@Natural Mix

"This immersion shows how Summer Garden pot pourri is made!" said Filliper excitedly.
"Let's dive in!" responded Pinkie.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon each of ground cinnamon, coarsely ground cloves and orris root powder
5 drops each of rose geranium oil and bergamot oil
3 cups dried rose petals
2 cups lavender flowers
1 cup each of lemon balm leaves and scented geranium leaves.
Combine the dried spices and orris root powder. Add the oils, stir to blend well. Combine the flowers and leaves in a large bowl. Add the spice blend. Mix to ensure even distribution of the spices. Place the potpourri in a large, lidded jar or bowl and place in the dark to cure for six around weeks, stirring or shaking daily.

Appetiser 3/25

@Chinese lanterns

"There are stunning views of this in the immersion, Filliper!" remarked Sanderingham.
"Ah! Chinese lanterns, we used to call those!" responded Filliper.
"Yes, but Its botanical name is Alkekengi officinarum. It's a popular ornamental plant belonging to the nightshade family and is native to Asia and southern Europe. . It has been used in traditional medicine for over two thousand years. For example, it has anti­bacterial properties. The flowers play a role in Japanese festivals to honour the spirits of one's ancestors."
"Wow. Do you remember that sometimes you'd see them with a sort of lacy skeleton over them?"

Appetiser 4/25

@Hyacinthus orientalis

Becki and Filliper discussed their immersive dive into the world of hyacinths!
"I loved that bit about Greek mythology giving us a tragic love story with Apollo and Hyakinthos, where our 'floral protagonist emerges as a symbol of a love so strong it transcends death'," stated Becki.
"Yes! And then its 'rich tapestry of symbolism woven through history. Each color has its own tale, for instance, purple hyacinths, draped in the robes of royalty, whisper of sorrow yet also forgiveness,' " confirmed Filliper.
"Profound stuff!"

Appetiser 5/25

@Jasmine

"Mmm!" said Filliper. "Just try this experience, Spotless!"
"Jasminum officinale?" responded Spotless. "The common name is jasmine, and it's one of the first plants that comes to mind when one thinks of sweet fragrance. A single jasmine vine can perfume an entire room or garden.' Actually, there was a pet in our class at school called Jasmine. Right, I'm going in!" Spotless donned the headset and became immersed.

Appetiser 6/25

Your pet won a great prize!

@Scent with Lavender

"What are the highlights of this appetiser, Pufko?" queried Filliper, as he sat blinking contentedly after his experience.
"It started by explaining that today's medicinal use of lavender solidified in the late 19th century. The essential oil of lavender is a master of relaxation. It has a stress-relieving, anxiolytic effect, reduces thoughts and helps when you can't fall asleep in the evening. In aromatherapy and homeopathy, lavender is used to treat stress, migraines and to improve mood. The precious lavender oil is extracted from the flowering panicles and stems of the plants by steam distillation. Next to St. John's wort, lavender is one of the best plants against stress and anxiety."
Filliper donned a headset. "I'll give it a go!"

Appetiser 7/25

@Glass vial of essential oil

"What are essential oils, MacGuffin?" queried Filliper.
"They are oils made from natural products, such as flower petals. They are used in massage or for inhalation, and have a wide variety of benefits," responded MacGuffin.
"I hope there's some in the gift shop afterwards!" remarked Filliper. "It's my Mum's birthday coming up!"

Appetiser 8/25

@Moroccan Rose Market

"Ah! This reminds me of our group visit to Turkey two years ago, Kaycee!" remarked Filliper, "And the amazing spice and flower bazaars in Istanbul.
Kaycee agreed, and the pair were soon lost in an immersive experience of sight, sound and scent.