The 8th International Roses & Gardening Show 2006, an event that last year attracted almost 250,000 horticultural enthusiasts, takes place from May 19-May 24 at Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. The event will introduce roses and gardens from around the world.

Anne Boleyn rose

The theme of this year's show is "Living with English-Style Gardens," celebrating the variety of English gardens from the traditional to its modern urban incarnation. Shingo Yagyu, the host of the NHK television series "Shumi no Engei (Gardening for Pleasure)" will be designing an English-style city garden.

Akira Atomi will also be exhibiting at the show. Atomi is a creator of rose bonsai and has won praise in Japan and overseas for his creations.

Day ticket admission is 2,000 yen for adults, 1,600 yen in advance.

The Japan Times has 10 pairs of tickets to give away to readers. To apply, send a postcard to the International Roses & Gardening Show, PR Office, 1-14-8-4F, Shintomi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, mentioning The Japan Times.

The nearest station is Seibu Kyujyo Mae on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. For more information, visit bara21.jp or call (03) 5777-8600.