Raised in the Edwardian era and presented to the late Queen Mother as a debutante in 1947, first-time author Jane Sybilla Crosland, a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society (FRHS) still bears all the mien of a well-bred “gel” of class.

Elegantly groomed, her wrists and well-manicured hands bedecked with jewellery, she speaks in cultured tones.

Yet there is not the slightest trace of stuffiness or snobbery about her. She is charming, lively and fun-loving.

The fact that she is 73 is a mere incidental in a busy life that includes running an upscale floral design business from her New York City apartment, giving lectures, travelling often, and now basking in the afterglow of publishing her first book: an autobiography of her life.

“A Journey in Flowers” is its title, and there is a foreword by her friend, Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge. But the book is more than a chronicle of her great love of flowers, which began in early childhood.

It is also a pastiche of the author's interests and adventures in life, including a chapter on Bermuda.

Thanks to a friend who recommended a visit here in 1989, Miss Crosland has become one of Bermuda's most devoted fans and regular visitors.

In fact, despite living in a beautiful apartment on the 14th floor of a central Manhattan building, where she has created a rose-bedecked bower on her long balcony, she is now musing upon the possibility of living here.

The idea of writing a book about her life had been in the back of the author's mind for many years, but it took the tragic death of her beloved brother, who also loved flowers, and the urging of a close friend and mystery writer, Marion Gibb (nom de plume M.C. Beaton), to end the procrastination and, quite literally, put pen to paper, for Miss Crosland is neither a fan nor follower of modern technology.

Her story begins in rural Hertfordshire where, from an early age she was encouraged by her mother, a keen gardener, to take an interest in gardening, and there has not been a time when she cannot remember not loving flowers.

Later, she gained a degree in History of 18th century Art from Florence University in Italy, and also holds a diploma in flower arranging and floristry.

Her first career, however, was millinery.

In the 1950s she ran her own millinery showroom in London's Sloane Street, but her spirit longed to roam.

hus it was that, to the consternation of her family, she sailed in the Queen Mary for New York intending to stay for “a little while”. It wasn't long, however, before she parlayed her natural talent for flower arranging into working for various florists, and then several big hotels.

“Then, in 1972 I branched out into my own business, Jane Sybilla Crosland, in my home on the 14th floor,” she says. “It has panoramic views of New York city, and I call it my Studio in the Sky.”

Thus was born a thriving to-order business of genuine silk flower arrangements, which continues to this day. Using only the very highest quality materials from around the world, Miss Crosland numbers the rich and famous, Hollywood celebrities, ambassadors, top interior designers, the showrooms of such prestigious businesses as Asprey's in London and Tiffany's in New York, and even the Metropolitan Opera House among her clients.

Cunard commissioned her to create hundreds of arrangements to give as Christmas presents, British Airways had a standing order for its Sky Club in New York, and the Royal Oak Foundation (similar to the National Trust) in New York were other clients. Crosland arrangements have also graced the former Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Cunard liner QE2. Many magazines, among them Town and Country, New York and the front cover of Architectural Digest, as well as various catalogues have also included her designs.

Because she likes to do nice things for others, Miss Crosland once made a special arrangement and shipped it to actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was delighted.

With characteristic thoroughness, it is not simply a question of this top floral designer arranging her materials artistically. Advance preparation can include visiting the site of the arrangement, taking precise measurements and note of attendant colour schemes and other details before retreating to her apartment, where she prefers to work very late at night when all is peaceful and quiet.

She particularly likes doing 18th century flower arrangements because they relate to her degree from the University of Florence but also because the style is “loose, natural and flowing”. Each arrangement is, of course, unique.

As talented as she is at floral arrangements, however, there are other facets to Miss Crosland's life, one in particular about which she is equally passionate: fishing. Not just any old hook, line and sinker routine, but serious deep sea fishing for marlin in Bermuda.

Even mention of the word causes her eyes to sparkle like sunshine on the sea.

Since 1992 she has been fishing with professional fisherman Allen DeSilva on De Mako, and in fact has also become personal friends with him and his wife, Susan, both of whom she says have been “very encouraging”.

Fishing local waters is such serious business, in fact, that Miss Crosland even plans her trips around when the great fish are running. “July is the best month for marlin,” she says.

Her catches include a 180 pound blue marlin, as well as white marlin and wahoo.

When the thrill of the chase is over, however, the blue marlin do not end up on her dinner plate. Instead, the hooks are very carefully removed and they are returned to the deep to resume their interrupted journeys and breed.

In fact, her bathroom wall in New York is lined with certificates from the International Game Fish Association for having fought and released the marlin herself. She even sees reminders of certain flowers in the colours of fish.

In addition to fishing, the author also swims every day in Bermuda to keep her fighting fit, and she rises at 7 a.m. to do so. In between times, she travels around the Island, visiting historical sites in particular, chauffeured, as always, by her faithful taxi driver friend, Rudolph (Sparky) Swan.

“He meets me at the airport and give me a hug, and has looked after me so well for many years,” Miss Crosland says. “He takes me fishing too, and is generally interested. I listen to his life and he listens to mine. He is truly exceptional and drives beautifully.”

Likewise, the helpful staff at Newstead have also added their own special touches to the overall enjoyment of her thrice-yearly visits. Asked what draws her back to Bermuda - which she calls ‘Paradise on Earth' - so often, given the vibrancy of New York and the glitzy people whom she numbers as clients and friends, the author doesn't hesitate.

“I think it is the wonderful warmth of the people, the air which is so delicious, the kiskadees, and of course the brilliance of the flowers and foliage. So many things... The moment I get off the aircraft I feel a different person in a day.”

“A Voyage in Flowers” is sold here at the Bookmart, the Bermuda Book Store, and the Book Cellar in St. George's. In Britain it is available at Hatchard's book store, and also on amazon.co.uk, as well as in certain of New York's better bookstores.