IT'S that welcome time of year.

The dark nights have been replaced by longer, lighter, brighter days giving us the opportunity to spend more time outdoors rather than being confined to the comfort of our homes where we tend to spend the most of our time during the winter months.

For gardeners there is an eagerness to get growing and make up for lost time tending their outside space. Creating a colourful palette to enjoy during the summer months is their mission, then there is the preparation for the seasons to follow - a gardener's work really is never done.

While some may already know what seeds they want to sow, there is always plenty of room for inspiration - and the Harrogate Spring Flower Show is the perfect place to see the latest in garden designs and styles.

Themed around 'HortCouture' the show, which runs from April 20 to 23 at the Great Yorkshire showground in Harrogate is the biggest exhibition by florist and flower arrangers in the country.

For those familiar with the event, it is a showcase of all things bright and beautiful - a gardeners paradise with colourful and eye-catching displays many will be keen to re-create amidst their own outdoor space.

But this isn't just a day out for green-fingered enthusiasts. This year's visitors can look forward to a series of new attractions celebrating the style trends not just in our gardens but in our home interiors too.

The event features an exclusive exhibition by award-winning Christchurch costumier and artist Jenny Gillies. Jenny combines her love of gardens and flowers to create a fabulous range of floral gowns.

Her first exhibition outside Australia and New Zealand features 14 works of art including orchid, dahlia, peony, poppy, rose, lily, sunflower, spring blossom and primula.

Another new feature for 2017 is The Green Room, which literally brings the outside in with flower-filled cushions, mossy armchairs and cutting-edge fresh flower wallpaper, providing the perfect place to relax and appreciate the great outdoors.

The strong links between fashion and floristry are being explored too through the large scale floral art display paying tribute to the world's famous fashion houses including Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Versace and Vivienne Westwood.

As part of the HortCouture theme teams from four NAFAS areas (National Association of Flower Arranging Societies) will offer their own unique interpretation on the work of each fashion icon.

Floristry students will also be creating floral bonnets with a difference.

Fashioned with displays made from real cars - six small hatchback cars specially prepared for the show by Ripon-based metal recyclers K A Anderson complete with wheels, windscreens, wing mirrors and engines - colleges from Askham Bryan, Bishop Burton, East Durham, Shipley, Tyne Metropolitan and Wigan & Leigh have been challenged to create their impressive large scale displays on the front of the car.

Students can weave their creative flair within or out as the bonnet can be open or closed.

With talks and demonstrations, there will certainly be plenty to keep the family entertained.

Young visitors can look forward to catching up with Pod in his new pop-up play patch and there are plenty of hands-on educational activities too as well as entertainment such as the Dig It Garden Theatre.

There will be experts on hand to give growing advice and talented local chefs will be showcasing their culinary expertise with the Kitchen Garden Live team who will be cooking up tasty seasonal treats in the Feast! Food Theatre.

And just when you think you have seen it all, there are plenty of stalls to browse round and buy from including unique handmade crafts; gifts and specialist foods.

To book tickets, or for more information, call 01423 546157 (Mon- Fri, 8.30am - 4.30pm) or visit flowershow.org.uk