Inside the private gardens bringing Victorian charm to busy city
BBCNestled near the heart of a busy city lies a cluster of hidden gardens in the leafy calm of a Victorian suburb.
Sunlight drifts through climbing roses and tall foxgloves, warming brickwork that has watched generations come and go.
Behind the garden gates, residents wait with a quiet pride, ready to share spaces usually kept private.
The Avenues Open Gardens event, in Hull, is marking its 50th anniversary.
Every year, visitors are invited to wander through the large gardens of properties originally built for the burgeoning middle classes of the late 19th Century.
Bob and Rose Sandham, who moved to the area in 1980, remember how long it took to whip their once "pretty empty" garden into shape.
"These gardens build the community. It brings people together," they said, pausing to admire the borders they have tended for decades.
"The gardens are very relaxed and self generated."
This year, the event is running across two weekends. The first open day was on 28 June, with the second on Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00 BST.
Visitors are asked to pay a small fee to raise money for Dove House Hospice and other charities.
In Victoria Avenue, the sound of water trickles down a large stone fountain at the centre of a roundabout.
The original fountain was removed in the 1920s, but was restored in 2023 after residents raised £150,000.
Gary Major, a trustee of the Victoria Fountain Charity, says the new structure has become a "focal point" for Open Gardens.
"The fountain's creation with the estate is a really big thing.
"This was lost for 100 years."
He pauses, watching the spray catching the light.
"The community got together, raised £150,000 to bring it back, essentially just to make people feel happier. And it does that every single day."
The Avenues conservation area is one of more than 20 protected parts of Hull, recognised for historical features and architectural character.
Among the visitors weaving their way through hidden paths are friends Emily Medcalf and Eleanor Sharpe, who pause to enjoy ice creams as they compare their favourite gardens.
"We've seen some lovely flowers," Emily says, smiling.
"The highlight was one garden – it was really bright, with a lovely turquoise shed."
Eleanor nods. "It's lovely to see what everyone does with their garden, considering it's in a small area."
Across the road, Clare Hamilton, who lives nearby, sits on a patch of grass in front of a bush of purple lavender.
She comes every year.
Looking up, she says: "We love the Open Gardens, walking around, seeing all the beautiful flowers and sculptures."
"It's something really special to have in the community."
Mary Cryan has chaired Open Gardens for seven years and says the event's success comes down to one simple thing.
"We work really hard to make it a real community event," she explains.
Then she laughs, admitting there is another draw too.
"People like to be quite nosy and are always looking for garden inspiration."
Long-time resident Dave Hanson opened his garden 40 years ago and still relishes the experience.
He calls it "a wonderful event for the area and to be raising money for charities".
"It's always been a really good experience meeting lots of nice people," he adds.
"A lot of effort goes into these things, but seeing their reactions makes it worthwhile."
Entry on Sunday (5 July) costs £5 per adult and provides access to all gardens, with children going free. Those who paid on 28 June can visit again for free.
Money raised is donated to charities. Details are available on the Avenues Open Gardens Facebook page.
Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.
Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices