Durban's Botanic Gardens has won a silver-gilt award - second place - in the Greater Pavilion section at the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show in England.
The exhibit, measuring 56m, depicts the natural flora and fauna of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as some of the province's culture.
The Durban Botanic Gardens team left for Chelsea last week, where they built the exhibit, which represents the City of Durban. It was the first time that Durban had exhibited at the show.
They were nominated for a royal visit, and gardens curator Chris Dalzell met Queen Elizabeth on Monday afternoon.
The Botanic Gardens team comprises Dalzell, Manager of Special Services Lynton Lauderdale, Manager Mike Oxland, Chief Horticulturist Francois Lenferna and horticulturist Ricky Chetty.
"This is an incredible achievement," said Dalzell, speaking from the exhibition hall at the Chelsea Flower Show.
"My congratulations go to our designer, Francois Lenferna, who is responsible for the creative and artistic inspiration, which was what the judging panel was looking for.
"I am so proud of the team and we are excited to put Durban on the Chelsea map. We believe this will be a tremendous boost for tourism in KwaZulu-Natal," said Dalzell.
The exhibit from Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town also received a silver-gilt award.
Forty-three teams were awarded gold, and another 31 teams received silver-gilt medals.