Open gardens event celebrates 50 years of visitors

Residents in Hull who open their gardens to the public are celebrating 50 years of welcoming visitors.

The Avenues conservation area has hosted the event every year since 1976.

The gardens offer unique features such as original stable blocks and a pottery as well as an allotment and a community wildlife garden managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

The event, which runs until 5 July between 13:00 and 17:00BST, raises money for Dove House Hospice and other charities.

The conservation area is one of more than 20 protected parts of Hull recognised for its historic and architectural character.

The buildings date between 1875 and 1918 and were designated a conservation area in 1974.

Suzanne Brown, secretary of the Avenues Open Gardens Committee said "Thanks to the enthusiasm of the residents, we have over 50 gardens open this year."

Referencing the heatwave, of 1976, she added: "It's about as hot as 50 years ago."

"The gardens, some very large, some smaller, show a diversity of gardening styles and are complemented by interesting and unique local architecture," she said.

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