Guernsey was once famous for exporting tomatoes grown in its vast network of glasshouses. Now, one islander is showing just how much the Bailiwick’s climate has changed, after successfully growing bananas in his back garden, with no help from a greenhouse. Barry Weir has harvested a crop of, admittedly small, bananas at his home, where figs, grape vines, palm trees and other exotic plants have flourished in recent years. The fruit forms part of a garden he deliberately designed to be different from the more traditional flower-filled pots found across the island.

Mr Weir said the idea was born several years ago when he transformed what had been little more than grass into a lush garden inspired by warmer climates.

“Four or five years ago when we did this, I said, ‘Look, it’s got to be different. We are not going for a formal garden’,” he said. Instead, the garden now features palm trees, grape vines, figs and banana plants, creating what he described as a more Caribbean feel. Discussing the latest crop, he added: “We’ve got bananas, figs and grapes growing like mad.”

The bananas may be the headline act, but Mr Weir said he has been surprised by how well a range of fruit and plants have adapted to Guernsey’s conditions. He believes many islanders underestimate what can be grown locally. “You look around most Guernsey gardens; they go for flowers. They’re not bothered with fruit trees or whatever.”

Read more at Bailiwick Express