The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) team at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show were jumping for joy this this morning when they learned that they had won South Africa\u2019s 35th gold medal in 42 years of exhibiting at the prestigious show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, in an additional accolade for the team, the display was also awarded with the prestigious President\u2019s Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Designers David Davidson, Ray Hudson the SANBI team, staff and volunteers had been on tenterhooks since Sunday night, when all the finishing touches to the exhibit were complete and it was ready for judging and a visit by Queen Elizabeth who tours the exhibits after the judges have made their decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe waiting is so difficult,\u201d said Lihle Dlamini, SANBI\u2019s Director of Marketing and Communication, who is part of the team at the show. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBut this makes all the hard work worthwhile. We are so proud to be receiving another gold medal as well as the President\u2019s Award for South Africa. It is just fantastic!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With its theme Windows on Biodiversity, the circular exhibit with its stunning backdrop of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is a rich and varied voyage of discovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On display are plants that represent all ten of South Africa\u2019s National Botanical Gardens: Free State, Hantam, Harold Porter, Karoo Desert, Kirstenbosch, Kwelera, Lowveld, KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria and Walter Sisulu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe richness of our biodiversity is one of South Africa\u2019s greatest natural assets,\u201d said Dr Tanya Abrahamse, SANBI CEO. \u201cSouth Africa is home to nearly 10% of the world\u2019s plants and contains three regions that have been declared global biodiversity hotspots, so it is fitting that we celebrate this heritage this year at Chelsea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOnce again the important role that botanical gardens play in contributing to the country\u2019s tourism statistics is underscored,\u201d Dlamini said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur exhibit provides a snapshot to the country\u2019s botanical heritage and many people decide to visit our country after seeing what we have on offer here.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) team at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show were jumping for joy this this morning when they learned that they had won South Africa\u2019s 35th gold medal in 42 years of exhibiting at the prestigious 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