But her colleagues were taken aback to discover that the sum turned out to be £115,000.

It is one of single largest cash legacies ever left to the Botanical Gardens – and will be formally announced at a preview of Art in the Gardens next Friday night.

Mildred, who died last December in her late 80s, was a life-long supporter of the gardens, working tirelessly behind the scenes and becoming a regular fixture at plant sales.

Sue Kohler, who chairs FOBS, said: "Mildred always said she was going to leave something in her will for the Botanical Gardens but we never had a clue it would be so much.

"It really is fantastic news for us and we're working on ways to spend the money that will leave a lasting legacy to a lady with such immense passion for the Botanical Gardens."

Sue described Mildred as "very independent and absolutely nobody's fool. She was very sharp. She was a marvellous person.

"She came to lots of our lectures and was very supportive. Before she was ill she would help with our plant sales, sitting there with her shining white hair and in a pale blue suit, writing hundreds of plant labels…"

It is thought that Mildred, who lived at Nether Edge, has also made bequests to other organisations from the proceeds of widespread investments.

Botanical Gardens curator Ian Turner described the bequest as fantastic news. "Art In The Gardens is one of our most popular events, so we couldn't think of a more appropriate backdrop to make the announcement of Mildred's amazing donation."

Thousands of people are expected at Art in the Gardens, the north's largest outdoor art, craft and entertainment event of its kind, on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7.

More than 2,000 pieces of art will be displayed under canvas and there will be a children's art activity marquee, an art and craft market, a programme of music and other entertainment and a celebrity portrait competition featuring BBC weatherman Paul Hudson.

The preview evening includes complimentary wine and refreshments on arrival and is an opportunity to meet the artists – and to hear about the plans for the money left by Mildred Rushby. Tickets for the preview, which starts at 6.30pm, available at £6 from Margaret Howsham on 250 0500.



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