Just the sight of crocuses through a park railing is enough to ignite a communal sentiment of “Phew, we made it through the winter — time to store those balaclavas.”

“Don’t cast a clout till May is out,” says my mum, but with so much flirty floral fashion around, who wants to hide their blossoms under a cardi? Certainly not Gwyneth Paltrow, People magazine’s most beautiful woman in the world, who took to the red carpet in an Erdem flower power trouser suit as only the lean and lanky can do.
For us mere mortals, petal splattered tops and matching bottoms are for bedroom use only, unless of course you happen to be manning a stand at the Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25) which is celebrating its centenary.

Alan Titchmarsh aside, fashion shoots are not only visible, but made in Chelsea, notably in the shape of stylish celebs in country garden couture. This year BrandAlley, the online specialists in affordable designer clothes, will be showcasing its wares in its own RHS garden, which will feature textiles, sculptures and water installation art pieces. Talking of art, the National Gallery has picked Van Gogh’s Sunflowers for its spring tee. When you consider that the real thing sold for $39.7million, it’s a bargain at £16.95.

Always on the lookout for new emerging talents, Comptoir des Cotonniers have collaborated with rising talent, Calla, a designer who has created a mini floral collection inspired by hydrangeas in muted green, blue, mauve and yellow.

Everywhere you look there’s another wearable bouquet, though if you’re going for separates avoid the Gwynnie combo and team it with something simple. Of course it goes without saying that where there are flowers there will be bees and Susannah Lovis’s antique bee brooches are beautiful. Yes,the price will sting, but remember you are buying an heirloom that will last long after those spring flowers have wilted and we’re all back in balaclavas.