Apologies for silence recently, but having rushed round like a lunatic over Easter weekend redoing walks that I wasn't happy with and driving miles to get extra photos for the book, I went down with a horrible flu bug last week that, once I'd sent the book off to the publishers, had me in bed for most of the week.

I'm over the worst, but have as much energy as a new born kitten and feel about as feeble. Very frustrating for someone whose energy levels are usually pretty high. Still, I haven't been ill for a very long time so am fortunate in that respect, and as my friends keep telling me, it's undoubtedly due to the pressure of getting the book done. But I met my deadline, and although I had another deadline for the end of this week, the interviewees aren't able to meet till next week which is just as well as my brain isn't functioning at its best either.

The above picture was taken at Caerhays on Easter Sunday - note the wonderful magnolias and rhododendrons, combining to explain why the garden has won best garden of the year - and well deserved too!

Now excuse me, I must go and have another lie down...