As spring arrives, Tokyo's tired workers might be able to find Eden this weekend. Or maybe create their own.
Ten years ago, the International Garden and Greenery Exposition was held in Osaka and it fueled a gardening boom in Japan. This Saturday, Tokyo will host the International Flower & Garden Show, which is aiming to become Asia's Chelsea Flower Show. Event organizers hope to promote greener lives for urban residents.
The event will hold a competition to find Japan's champion garden designer among 302 entries, some of them being top-level designers.
Visitors will be able to see gardens of various sizes (between 25-100 sq. meters), container gardens, hanging baskets, in-home displays and flower arrangements.
Jamie Durie, Australian garden designer and environmental journalist, is set to participate as a guest and display an originally designed gardening piece.
On April 19, Joannie Rochette, Canadian figure skater and bronze medalist from the Vancouver Olympics, will hold a lecture to talk about her interest in flowers and gardens and also her experiences during the Games.
Attendees may also take lessons from flower and gardening experts, with lesson themes and prices varying.
Tokyo International Flower & Garden Show will be held April 17-25, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa, Tokyo. The park is an eight-minute walk from Tachikawa Kita Station. Admission is ¥2,200 (¥1,000 per child). For more information, visit www.tokyoflowershow.jp
