'Flowers in Bloom: The Culture of Gardening in Edo'

Japan has a long history of gardening, but the culture truly blossomed during the peace and stability of the Edo Period (1603-1867). As summer kicks in, the Edo Tokyo Museum is showcasing Ukiyo-e prints, screens and guidebooks related to the art of gardening and floristry.

Beginning with 19th-century Scottish botanist Robert Fortune's impression of Japan's love of flowers, the exhibition follows the development of gardening enthusiasm up to the Meiji Era (1868-1912). It also introduces lesser-known aspects of Japanese gardening such as the samurai obsession with rare plants and the influence of flowerpots; July 30-Sept. 1.

Edo Tokyo Museum; 03-3626-9974; 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo; Ryogoku Station, Sobu Line. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Sat. till 9 p.m.). ¥800. Closed Mon. (except Aug. 12). www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp