As soon as I knew that I would be getting married away from home (South Africa), I knew there was one thing I definitely wanted at my wedding: Proteas. Proteas are a genus of flowers indigenous to South Africa, and the King Protea (Protea cynaroides) is the national flower of our country. 92% of Protea species grow in the Cape Floristic region. They are big, beautiful, hardy flowers, and you see them growing wild when you hike on the mountains. The first time I found some proteas in Berlin, I inhaled their subtle scent into my lungs and could smell home. Continue reading →