Easily the largest room(s) in the department, the Environmental Greenhouses are where the Botanists spend all of there time when not filling out paperwork at their desks. The first thing you notice when stepping through the sliding door, is that the structure of the greenhouses is completely different than the rest of level four. The ceiling is raised, and the center walls are made of fiberglass panels, including the one you just walked through. The floors that support these walls are made of cement that's usually covered in bits of soil, and plant debris that surprisingly never gets tracked into the work room.

Over all, the greenhouses resemble a sun porch, with a small-ish area set aside at first entry for the employees of this department to take their breaks. This small section is charmed so that the temperature always resembles that of the workroom and is separated from the greenhouses by a second set of sliding doors. Beyond these doors, the greenhouse is separated into several rooms large enough to hold the numerous plants.

Magical and muggle plants are literally everywhere in each separate room. Some hang potted from the ceiling, a few are on shelves attached to the walls, but most are either on the few greenhouse benches pushed up against the walls and in the center, or planted in the rectangular spaces in the cement flooring. Not all of the benches contain growing plants, some areas of the greenhouse are set aside for potions related work. The furthest greenhouse has only two work benches and no shelves; all if it's plants either grow from the ground or against the walls, some even float.

Flameless lanterns made specifically for greenhouse usage float about the rooms, not only providing adequate lighting for the employees but also 'food' for some of the plants. Rune symbols are etched into the tables and work like muggle heating pads for the plants. Don't worry, you won't be harmed only the plants are able to feel the heat emitted from the runes.

If you keep walking through the second set of sliding doors and eventually third, you'll pass through the other two greenhouses that house the more dangerous and larger magical and muggle plants. The third being the one that houses the all the trees and plants of the like. This room also houses a secret passageway that's well hidden somewhere behind the trees and vines. It's a secret that's well kept, as the Environmental employees aren't even aware of it's existence. The only ones outside of the Department Head that are aware of it's existence are the MLE, A&C and Mysteries Department Heads, and the Minister of Magic himself. Well, and whoever the MLE Head has told.

The nifty sliding doors are only ever locked when the Ministry is closed, and can be accessed during the day by a mundane spell that charms the doors to 'slide open'. Numerous protection charms are sent on the greenhouses, some are only activated when the ministry is closed or when the Department is empty, and others are simply there to protect the plants.

The constantly changing temperature in the large rooms, each always varying by room can quickly become unbearable if your not wearing one of the charmed work robes that hang with the rest of the supplies, maybe that's the first thing you notice when entering? And if your not, it probably means you shouldn't be in the greenhouse. While the greenhouse is used mainly by the Departments botanists, other divisions will occasionally make use of the large room with the permission of the Department Head.

Don't bother looking for the source of the ever changing temperature, ventilation, breeze that blows through when it gets too hot, and mist that often fogs the rooms when not in use. You'll never find them.

OOC: The Experimental Greenhouse is only freely accessible to those who's job requires them to work in them (ie. Botanist, Caretakers, Head Oceanologist). All other Environmental workers and other departments need to first seek permission from the department head to make use of the greenhouses for any reason. Those who don't have any business here should be prepared to face the consequences should they be caught.

Drago stepped into the greenhouse, making his way in far enough that others could comfortably come in behind him, and took in everything that he could see. He knew there was more, but so far he was already impressed. This would allow for work with far more plants at one time than he normally housed. The sight of some supply sheds caught his attention and he paid no more mind to who else might be entering as he went to see what they held.

Rafael walked in behind the Head Botanist, watching the man as he took in the first greenhouse. Smart man to head over to the sheds first, Raf mentally nodded his approval. "If you'll grab us both a couple of work robs from the first shed it would greatly appreciated." Since it was only the two of them so far, his Department Head voice was exchanged for one reserved for one a bit more friendlier.

"Sure thing." He made his way over to the appropriate shed and picked up a pair of robes, bringing them back over to Rafael. "Likely I will bring my own, once I see what we are encountering. I have many of my own specialized tools in order to perform my work." He handed one over before putting on his own.

Raf slipped into his work robe with ease, nodding his head to the words of his Head Botanist. "I have no problems with you bringing your own work robes and tools. Though I'd advise you not to bring anything that's irreplaceable. Other Departments will occasionally use the greenhouses as well. Under your supervision of course, but it's still a risk." And because Rafael wasn't one for sharing personal items, nothing in the greenhouse came from his personal storage. Well, maybe a few items. Maybe.

And as for what he would be working with. "I think you'll like what we have to work with here." His eyes left the man to venture over to the potted Moondew, his feet soon following. "As you know, there are three greenhouses for us to work with, I'll give you the paperwork about all the spells that protect the greenhouses and keep the plants well cared for." How to get the doors open, and controlling the humidity of the rooms. All information that could be reviewed after this mini tour. "All the things you'll need to keep the greenhouse running smoothly. But first, a quick run down of each greenhouse." He turned to face the man. "This greenhouse contains muggle and mundane magical plants."

"Mundane magical plants is an oxymoron. More appropriately, mundane plants used for magical purposes," Drago mentioned as he looked about. It would almost seem condescending if it weren't for his gaze, which seemed to be rather distracted. It was more like a statement that had occurred to him and uttered absently while his mind was preoccupied. A strange product of distraction and attention all at once. "I assume you have the mimosa pudica, of course." And of course, the only reason he asked was because it entertained him when he was bored.

Rafael turned to the man with a raised brow. It would have seemed condescending had he not been able to see the man's facial expression... and if he hadn't hired the man to run all three of his greenhouses. If his application hadn't proven that he was more than qualified for this position, he was certainly aiming to do so now. Clasping his hands loosely behind his back, he nodded his head while watching the man. "You assume correct. I believe we have every plant that you will need to work with and more. And what we don't have, I can get." It was that simple, and would be even simpler once they had some oceanologist in the department. "I'd like to discuss another plant though while you scrutinize the greenhouses. I assume your familiar with the Siberian blood vine?"

The mention of the vine grabbed Drago's attention more fully and he looked over at the other man. "I am. I did a study on it once, when I had learned of its potential for healers. Though I hadn't the room for acquisition of the plant." Moreover, he had enough problems as it was with plants that needed to be fed. Especially ones that were... snarky, as Slade would have put it. Or more likely, as loathe as he was to admit it, Xana.

Rafael nodded his head in approval of the man's knowledge of the plant. "We have the space, and the plant. It's secured in a special area in greenhouse three." He inclined his head towards the door leading to the other greenhouses, but otherwise kept his attention on the head botanist. "I'd like to get the other botanists well acquainted with the plant. Make sure they understand the properties, dangers, and how to handle the plant." Though he'd expected his head to have some experience with the plant, he wasn't sure about the other botanist considering how rare the plant was.

"Thankfully, I've some experience in teaching. Though I would except Ministry employees to show more interest than younger students." He chuckled softly as he inspected a few more plants, nodded to Rafael, and moved toward the door he indicated.

"They should be sitting on the edge of their stools listening to you speak." He jested lightly, or in Gilbert's case, spinning chair. Rafael followed behind the man, hands in his pockets as he sauntered through towards the second greenhouse, lingering in case Drago wanted to look around. "I don't think you'll have any issues with these botanist, so long as they realize how dangerous the plant is when not dormant." He just couldn't stress that enough. "Them and the others that plan on using the greenhouses under your supervision."

"I think if they learn to handle the dormant plant with care, they'll be more likely to take care when it's active. Develop the habit and all." He paused a moment, inspecting a plant, before moving on. "Not to treat them like children, but I think it best to use a surrogate plant to train them into appropriate habits, so that when they are dealing with the real thing, they will be able to do everything by rote. Perhaps a false plant enchanted to scream an alarm whenever they do something which would be a danger to them with the blood vine."

Rufin entered the greenhouses to look around; he was still getting used to his new work environment and loving it! He inspected a row of small red flowerbuds. Smiling he leaned in closer. Ahhh, Rufus Draconia. He leaned out again as one of the buds opened briefly, sending something that looked like a bright orange flame from it's inside and closing again. Lovely, such beautiful stamen and stigma, bright like fire! He observed the little bits of pollen that had flown from the inside of the bud fall onto another Draconia, it soaked through the petals and began to glow orange. Rufin grinned contentedly, these were some of his favourite indoor flowers, not just because they shared his name but because they were fascinating and there was so much about them still to be discovered.

"I think that's an excellent idea." He nodded his head. Rafael didn't care if they were going to be treated like children or not, he just needed them to be safe when working with the dangerous plant. "I can speak with someone to retrieve a false plant and the botanist can work on that until you believe them ready to work with the real thing."

The Golden Retriever Patronus bounded into the Greenhouses on level 4 and ran up to Rafeal and opened its mouth. Instead of a bark the voice of Armen Recard, the Department Head of Magical Transportation's voice rang out into the room:

"Hey Rafa, its Armen down on level 6. We are in the middle of constructing a Koi pond in our Visitor's Area and we are in need of some supplies. Is there anyway we can come up and snag some wood, stones (big and small) and maybe any moss that you may have lying around? Thanks Chap be up in a few."

And then the dog vaporized.

Rafael took a few steps towards the third greenhouse, intent on showing his head Botanist the plant they'd been discussing, when a patronus bound in, blocking his path. He listened to the silvery dog speak with the voice of the Transportation Head, dark eyes going to Drago when it finally disappeared. "Looks like I'm needed elsewhere. The plant is in the far corner of the greenhouse, it lays dormant, but there are still protection charms surrounding it," Just in case. "I trust you can handle it on your own."

But if not, he was only a patronus away.

If he was even able to send that.

Rafa inclined his head towards the man before turning on his heels and heading out of all the greenhouses.

After hearing about his first real Botanist assignment, Gilbert didn't hesitate to leave the paperwork on his desk and make his way over to the Greenhouse. He was actually excited! Even though he had no idea what the assignment was. He'd find out soon enough, he supposed.

Stepping inside, he glanced around for a moment, taking in the sights, and smells, before grabbing a work robe and slipping it on. Too bad they didn't come in different colors. Although, if they were, he was sure that Rain guy would probably try to wear them all. At the same time.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, to resist the urge to touch every plant in the room, Gilbert waited for the Head Botanist to show up. Unless he was already in there with him?

So. Many. Plants!

Drago finished setting things up in Greenhouse 3 and swept into Greenhouse 1 to see who had arrived. So far it looked like only one individual. Well, he was at least appreciative of someone who felt it a good idea to arrive in good time. He memorized the man's face to keep in mind for future assignments. He approached the botanist and nodded to him. "It is nice to see at least someone has arrived."

Although Daisy had worked as a Junior Botanist for a few months now, endless tasks of paperwork and research had filled her hours. Daisy did not mind the work, and often enjoyed taking notes on various Muggle and magical plants, but she had started talking to the miniaturized weeping willow on her desk more than normal. It was no surprise that Daisy had to resist running to greenhouse one after returning from the storage room and finding the memo.

Having arrived as fast as a walk would allow, Daisy donned the greenhouse robe and stepped inside happily. Finally, she could actually get her hands on some good, real dirt and leaves! She took a deep breath, enjoying the presence of so many plants - greenhouses came in a close second to the perfection of outdoor gardens.

She spotted her co-workers nearby and ventured over. Keeping mostly to her desk with eyes on books did not allow for much social interaction, and Daisy was happy she could even remember their surnames.

"I'm so sorry I'm late. I was checking something in the storage room and didn't get the message right away."

"Well, I am glad that we are all here, then." His smile was not unpleasant, though disingenuine. There was so sign of displeasure in it, just emptiness. "So, let us begin." He began walking to the third greenhouse as he continued speaking. "We will be working with a very dangerous plant. It is the Siberian Blood Vine, also known as the Vampire Vine. Because of the situation we will be in, faux plants have been prepared for your education. This will help give you an accurate idea of what you will be encountering, without danger of a slip-up ending in your unfortunate demise. Are there any questions thus far?"

Daisy ignored Mr. Carracio's strange smile as she followed him to Greenhouse 3, and instead admired the plants around her while keeping an ear trained on her boss's words.

Siberian Blood Vine? It was not a plant Daisy knew all that much about, and she was excited despite herself. She was a little disappointed by the mention of "faux plants" but understood it was necessary, given how little she knew of it. She was bursting with questions, but mostly ones that would be answered in a few moments: What does it look like? What are it's properties? Does it have any use in potions? She was like a child in a candy shop, her eagerness made that much worse by how much time she had spent at a desk as of late.

"Nope, no questions, yet."

Well.

This was certainly different. Gilbert wasn't quite used to the 'get right down to business' type of work. Not that he wasn't thankful for it, because he was. It meant that he would always be kept busy, and that was something that he needed. Or else his mind would start to wander to different places and Merlin knew what kind of things would happen then.

Nodding his head in greeting towards the Head Botanist, he offered the woman who arrived a smile as he followed behind into the Greenhouse. He really needed to keep his hands in his pockets now that he was inside. Luckily, the other man began to speak, and it drew his attention away from his twitching fingers.

Gilbert nodded his head once more after hearing what type of plant they would be working with. He didn't have any recollection of hearing about that particular plant before, unless it was known as something besides the two names given.

"No questions from me." Except, when did he get to play with it? But he was sure that would be coming up soon.

Hermione had been very excited when she had heard about the greenhouses, and now she was going into them...

Sliding the door back, she entered what she would now consider home - this place was beyond magical, It was wondrous, beguiling, entrancing.....

She walked the length of the greenhouse, looking at all the different plants, some on the benches, some hanging from the ceiling, some just floating...

Hermione stopped and watered a few plants that needed moisture, added some dung to another.... then she spotted one of her most favourite plants - Flitterbloom - he was magnificent, swaying gently in a non-existent breeze...

She walked over to it, and started talking to it, it seemed to swoon and sway more... these plants were just the most beautiful thing in the entire world - nothing would ever persuade Hermione otherwise...

With all the chaos going on, Drago went to where he was most comfortable: the greenhouses. To him, that was the area that needed the most guarding; the most protecting. Especially with all of the dangerous plants that could be used against nearly anyone. Except, perhaps, for those who knew them best. He scouted about, keeping an eye on everything, ready with his wand.

Auruoa made her way into the greenhouses, she decided to see check on some of the plants while she was in here.