More than 100 London gardens open for weekend

The annual event allows access to gardens that are usually private

More than 100 gardens in 12 London boroughs are opening to the public for the weekend.

London Open Gardens allows access to some of the capital's "private, secret and little-known gardens", organisers say.

The event is in its 25th year.

"London Open Gardens’ silver jubilee is a unique celebration of London’s green lungs and London Parks & Gardens’ commitment to protect them for everyone,” said Nathan Oley, chair of London Open Gardens and trustee of London Parks & Gardens.

Nine gardens will be part of the event for the first time, or after a long break

London Open Gardens says ticket sales help to protect the capital's "green lungs"

London Open Gardens began as an event to "open up iconic but locked London squares in the west".

It now includes a range of green spaces, from roof gardens and ones in historical institutions to community allotments.

Some of the green spaces opening up will be offering activities, plant sales and refreshments.

Tickets cost £22 for over 25s, £11 for under 25s and entry is free for children under the age of 12.

London Open Gardens said the ticket sales enabled the group "to deal with hundreds of planning applications that could impact public parks every year".

Some of the gardens are running activities and putting on refreshments