Naturally green

^{The natural green of South Africa (Canva)}

South Africa, the rainbow nation as it is known by so many, is known for its diverse cultures and heritage across the world.

Each year on September 24, we celebrate what we call Heritage Day.
South Africans are urged to celebrate their culture and the variety of their beliefs and customs on this special day.

As it is a rainy day for us today, the best way for me to take part in the celebrations is by bringing this post to you.

The color this week is green.

Now, not only is South Africa known for its variety of cultures, but the South African flag is also one of the most colorful national flags, with six colors: red, white, green, blue, black, and yellow.

The flag was introduced when the country became a democratic country in 1994, bringing an end to the apartheid era.

It is no surprise that the color that is the most prominent is green, the color used in the "Y" strip. For many it means working together as a nation to move forward as not only is green the color of tranquility and well-being but also the color of a new being.
Of all the colors on the flag it is also the one that I can relate to the most. It is the color that I grew up with.

If you have to ask my mother what she likes most about all on earth, she will tell you, a tree. All my life, we grew up with mom always pointing out trees as we were walking on the farm, driving in the car, or just sitting in our own garden.

Mom was also a South African flower arrangement judge, and not once have I seen any of her arrangements without green in them. In fact, she was well-known for her massive arrangements for foyers of buildings, functions, openings of events, etc., many of which consisted of green leaves.

We had the most beautiful garden with massive trees, green plants, and flowers all four seasons.
As with any child, the upbringing and values planted by parents leave a mark. It did with me.

Today, on this Heritage Day, I invited you to take a walk with me through the 9 provinces of South Africa celebrating not the culture of the people but the heritage of nature and the photos I took in each of these provinces.

1. Limpopo Province

The province in the north of South Africa is called Limpopo. It is named after the Limpopo River that forms the north and some of the western border of not only the province but also South Africa.

The photo I took was of some old oak trees along the road that caught my attention.

2. Mpumalanga Province

In the old mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest, you will find the setting of my next image. When gold was found in South Africa, thousands rushed there to find their "pot of gold." This little town is now a museum that attracts tourists all year.

Here, in the shades of the old oak trees it is the perfect picnic spot after a long day of site seeing. One cannot help but to wonder about the stories they can tell.

3. Gauteng Province

For many years the Gauteng Province was what I called "home."

The photo I am sharing with you was taken one morning when I was on my way to the airport. Plenty of times I have seen this old building, which is now marked with graffiti.

This specific morning what captured my eye was the shade of the trees covering the building from the hot African sun. It was as if they were saying, "Don’t worry, we got you covered."

4. North West Province

If I think of the North West Province, there is one photo that is a must-share as it captures the unspoiled green of nature.

It is a photo taken at the 18th hole of the world-famous golf course at Sun City, the legendary Gary Player Golf Course. Not only is it ranked among the Top 100 golf courses in the world, but it is also one of the longest.

5. Free State Province

The Free State province is known for its grass fields and maize fields. It is also well known for its warm and hot summers.

In this photo, near the town of Smithfield, I captured some sheep searching for that bit of shade a small tree had to offer while the sun was blazing down.
Believe it or not, this photo was taken while we were driving. It was only afterwards that I realized that I'd captured what nature had to offer.

6. Northern Cape Province

The driest province in South Africa is the Northern Cape therefore, it is also known for its desert landscapes. It is also the largest of our provinces, with the least population.

When I found this photo, I could not help but smile. Even here, between all the dry earth, you will find some green. There is always hope around us.

7. Western Cape Province

The beautiful Western Cape is home to Table Mountain and millions of trees, green bushes, and fynbos. It is also home of our national flower, the Protea.

A must-visit is the Knysna Forest, where hundreds of trees reach for the sky. The beauty of this forest is just endless. This forest is also the home of the only Knysna elephant that is still alive.

8. Eastern Cape Province

The beauty of the forest continues when you travel from the Western Province to the Eastern Province along the famous "Garden Route."

Unspoiled beauty as far as the eye can see. On one side, you have the blue mountain range with lush green trees, and on the other side, the deep green cliffs and the blue ocean.

9. KwaZulu Natal Province

Home, sweet home! This is the province that we now call home. From grassy woodlands inland to green vegetation along the coastline It is a popular holiday destination for South Africans.

It is the home of "life," banana trees, pineapple trees, and paw-paw trees. It is also home to monkeys and dolphins.

Green is the color of new beginnings and my color of peace and hope!

*All the photos are my own.

I invite: @kouba01 @ogechukwu-martha @vickyson @nexcis

CC: @sailawana @elrazi @basil20 @dove11

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