Banana trees that were adopted ten years ago by a day centre for people living with advanced dementia have produced fruit for the first time this summer.
Residents at Russia Lane Day Centre, Bethnal Green, adopted two banana trees as little plants that were being disposed of from Museum Gardens in 2016.
They have been tending to the banana trees as part of their gardening sessions for the last ten years and, due to this year’s hot weather, the trees have produced fruit for the first time.
The staff and residents have been amazed to see the plants develop and change to bearing masses of fruit within their enclosed garden area and their newly developed sensory space.
Gardening offers significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for people living with dementia, while also providing a calming and meaningful connection to nature.
Their green-fingered talents have been recognised by winning a Tower Hamlets in Bloom award for two years in a row.
Lisa Cade, staff member at Russia Lane Day Centre, said: “At Russia Lane we place great importance on gardening because of the benefits to cognitive health, physical health and mental wellbeing.
“People living with dementia find that gardening gives them a sense of purpose. It’s a place where people can connect, make friendships and nurture all the lovely plants.
“From the moment people arrive people can see a well-nurtured, well-looked-after, well-loved garden and this gives them a sense of belonging and a place they want to be.
“The residents here have been saying things like, ‘Oh wow, bananas in Bethnal Green!’ and everybody’s been really surprised. We’ve had banana diaries watching them go from flower and watching their fruits grow. It’s been an amazing little project.”
Blossom Martin, who attends Russia Lane, said: “Banana trees don’t grow in every garden in England. I was so pleased to see the fruit.”
Karen Williams, who also attends the day centre, said: “I don't have a garden at home, I love to be able to be outside here with all of the beautiful colours and smells. I love this garden.”
Sandy Hannigan, another resident, added: “I love this garden. It’s peaceful and it’s lovely”.
The gardeners have recently started growing hops at the centres as many of the residents have reminisced of childhoods spent hop-picking in Kent.
They hope one day to be able to harvest them to brew their own beer.
For more information about Russia Lane Day Centre, visit: Day centres | Tower Hamlets Connect
Posted on Monday 28th September 2026