It looks like it's going to be our best year yet for blueberries! My husband and I got four plants for our fourth wedding anniversary, and since we're now in our 11th year of marriage, that makes these plants 7 years old in our garden. Of course they must have been two to three years old when we bought them, so I'd guess they're actually nine or 10 year plants.
Needless to say, blueberries are a long-term commitment.
The first few years we got a few flowers and some tiny blue beauties. Despite the best efforts of the starving winter bunnies, the bushes have thrived and finally look less scraggly. We've enjoyed them all along the way, though. Our varieties (one I can remember is a Patriot) turn a gorgeous red in the fall and we enjoy the color.
This is the year, though, when I think we'll finally actually have to thoroughly pick the bushes and the berries will make it into the house rather than being eaten before you cross the yard! I'm hoping that the birds do not get to them ... but we will watch carefully to see if we need some netting. Fingers crossed for a blueberry festival right here in our own backyard!
