The Rome city rose garden has opened to the public once again with more than 1,200 roses on display in the park which was once a Jewish cemetery overlooking the Palatine hill. This year the city authorities have decided to allow cut roses to be sold and the proceeds will go to the childrens hospital, the Bambino Ges.

Judging for the international competition for the best rose will take place over the next two weeks and the winner will be announced on 20 May.

The Roseto Comunale, Via di Valle Murcia, open from 08.00 -19.30 every day until 11 June. Admission free . There are free guided tours of the rose garden. Tel. 0605746810 for information on times and days of the tours.