purchasing a Climbing Fuchsia plant and some Begonias earlier this year.

When presented with her cheque by Fiona Pickering (Gardening Direct's Customer Services Director), Mrs Barnett was still in shock but said "As a long-standing Gardening Direct customer I am thrilled and delighted to win the prize. We have had a difficult year as my husband has been rather poorly so this money is especially welcome. It could not have come at a more opportune time for us. Everyone at Gardening Direct has been so kind, particularly as I refused to believe them and demanded proof!"

Travelling from Gardening Direct's HQ

to personally deliver the cheque, Fiona Pickering said "I am absolutely delighted to have had the opportunity to present the prize to such a lovely, long standing customer as Mrs Barnett. Her garden is a picture and I know that she will put the money to excellent use!"

Mrs Barnett lives with her husband (a retired international shipping director) in Wallingford, Oxon and has a small courtyard garden but six grandchildren. She has not yet decided what she will do with the money.