Blue

Are you tired of my posting about the weather? Yeah, me, too. So let's talk gardening.

Today I ordered blueberry plants, LOTS of blueberry plants. Some for me, a couple for my daughter, even two for my son. And all different varieties, so somehow, someway, we are going to have blueberries. Some day.

A couple of years ago I spontaneously purchased a 'Patriot' blueberry plant. It never amounted to much as I first stuck it in a pot, then the garden, then I moved it a couple of times. But now that the south side of the house is destined to become a berry patch, I bought it a companion. Or five.

• 1 'Patriot'
• 2 'Darrow'
• 2 'Blueray'

I chose these three varieties because one bears in June, one in July, and one in August, so I expect to have blueberries all summer long. Another criterion was their fall foliage, since they will be visible from the street.

For my daughter, I selected:

• 1 'Earliblue'
• 1 'Bluecrop'

She said she wanted something early rather than late. One of these bears in June, the other in July, *and* they pollinate each other.

For my son, who lacks space for a garden, I chose a "patio assortment", two varieties that are small enough for growing in containers.

• 'Northcountry'
• 'Northblue'

Disappointed with my so-called "everbearing" strawberries, I also ordered 'Earliglo' June-bearing strawberry plants. Once they get established, the (n)everbearing will become compost.

I had plans to also start a mini orchard this year, but decided to wait until next. I want to better prepare the soil, plus better understand their care. Otherwise, I might as well plant $20 bills in the yard.