It’s officially one of the most exciting times of the year for Jo and Sarah as our gardens come into full bloom and – be still our beating hearts – it’s time for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (24^th to 28^th May). French natural beauty brand L’Occitane, which won a gold medal last year for its show garden, is exhibiting again. The L’Occitane garden is designed by James Basson, who is transporting visitors to Provence where the brand was first created by Olivier Baussan. We love the story: aged 23, Olivier found a discarded old steam distiller and started producing essential oils from wild rosemary and lavender, which he sold at local markets.

So James Basson’s garden (the beautiful watercolour above is by artist, Willa Gebbie) this year takes us to the edge of a lavender field, looking out on the landscape of Provence with a stream running through it. Needless to say, it looks set to be a sensory delight of scent and colour.

Another joy and delight is L’Occitane’s limited edition floral eau de toilette, Violette & Rose de Mai. We’ve been happily spritzing this on hair, wrists, décolleté – wherever. And we do truly love it. The top notes of bergamot and rhubarb, cut with citrus orange are fresh and uplighting, then you sniff the heart of violette leaves and rose de Mai from Grasse. And then, just when you think it’s all disappeared, a warm sexy blend of santal and musk wafts in front of your nostrils...

L’Occitane Violette & Rose de Mai eau de toilette, £52 for 75 ml at www.uk.loccitane.com