My friend Kari lives by the sea and creates beautiful arrangements of flowers that she sells at markets and shops. We recently spent a warm April day together where she lives by the sea, taking in the fresh air, browsing along the lanes lined with antique shops, and eyeing up the floral competition (Kari’s petals are prettier).

I left with anemones and tulips in arm, their heads bobbing and swaying on the train journey home. The colours, pink and bright red and ultramarine blue, were beautiful partners to live with for a time.

BDW