GARDENER'S READING ROOM
Edibles

The Award Winning Blueberries

Blueberries have long been a favorite in the edible landscape, but you should also consider adding them to your garden for the health benefits they offer. Researchers are linking blueberries with improvements in eyesight, reduction in degenerative conditions liked to aging, improving mental capacity and coordination, and reducing risks from cancer and heart disease.

Combine all that with great flavor and an easy-to-grow plant that adds interest to your garden all four seasons of the year and you have a top-notch addition to your landscape. You can choose plants that mature at 18” or at 6’, an evergreen variety, varieties that offer brilliant fall color or winter twigs of red or yellow . . .

In addition to the winners, we have a great supporting cast, including Blueray, Chippewa, Duke, Northblue, Northcountry, Nelson, and Polaris. And be sure to pick up Sky’s free information sheet, which details blueberry care and describes all the varieties we are stocking for 2002. Shop early for the best selection!

Now, may we have the envelope please?
And the winners are….

Best bonsai subject: Tophat
Best cold tolerance: Northsky (-45º)
Best dessert quality: Berkeley
Best early season: Bluetta (frost tolerance)
Best evergreen: Sunshine Blue
Best flavor: Impossible to choose just one, consider Herbert, Legacy, Earliblue, Olympia, Northsky
Best overall fruit quality: Brigitta
Best keeper: Brigitta (crisp!)
Best landscape variety: Bluetta and Patriot
Best late season: Elliot
Best multi-purpose fruit: Bluecrop (good fresh, preserves, baking or freezing)
Best fruit size: Chandler (cherry size!)
Best ripening season: Chandler (6 weeks!)
Best crack resistance: Berkeley
Best variety for the home garden: Berkeley

By Lynn Wright, W.C.N.
Skylights Spring, Vol 16, No. 1

Other articles on edibles