IT'S been a very busy week, one way and another. It's time to pull all the disparate threads of the garden together and order what is needful so that the whole garden comes together in early May.

I’ve been sorting out my final planting list and, heart in the mouth, started ordering the plants.

Will they arrive on time? Will they all be looking fantastic? Will they all look as good together in the flesh as the do on paper? These are some of the questions currently keeping me from my beauty sleep – which I can ill afford to lose!

I’ve also searched for, and found suppliers for the canvas and poles for the windbreak. Yes, in some ways it’s a lot easier on the internet, but in others its like constantly having to stare into a dark mirror – it doesn’t always reflect back the information you expect or want!

I’ve certainly come to the conclusion that a really good list of suppliers at your fingertips in business is like having all the answers in your hand before you attempt to solve the puzzle – you are half way there.

Meanwhile, Karen and Darren at DK Masonry on the Hylton Road in Worcester have started the process of making the curved Bath stone bench which will be part of the focal point of the garden.

The two stone plinths on which the seat rests have been sent off to Wells to be turned into smooth, rounded columns which I hope will look great – especially as I have designed them! Darren and Karen have also asked me to replant the small garden in front of their office which was overrun by flood water last year. I’m certainly looking forward to doing that!

The weather has taken a sudden turn for the better, which of course in one way I’m very glad about, as I’m writing this in a sunny back garden instead of being stuck indoors.

However, on the other hand, I’m worried that my tulips will bolt into flower too early for the show and that all the rain and bad weather we should have had in March is being saved up for April and the garden build!

The show organisers felt so sorry for the designers and contractors in last year’s downpours that this year they are giving us a tea tent. I do hope that it will turn out to be deckchairs on the lawn though.