Blueberries!

We had gorgeous weather a few days ago--sunny and in the 60's.

Perfect blueberry planting weather!

We got them for $25 each at our favorite local nursery, along with a couple big bags of acid-mix potting soil to help them settle in to their new homes.

I learned that you need at least 2 varieties for pollination. I got 3 different varieties: an early, mid-season, and late.

After much deliberation, I decided to plant them on the high slope, between the top garden terrace and chain link fence. They all are supposed to grow to be quite sizable, and try as I might, I couldn't figure out a good space for them on the lower slope. They need to be close enough to pollinate each other, but far enough apart to mature without having to be moved.

Luckily, there's a little path right at the top of the garden terrace, and you can walk on the top row of blocks from the terrace wall, as well. So hopefully, harvesting them won't be too much of a challenge.

 'Duke'

Planted farthest right.

Medium to large light-blue berries.

Blooms late but ripens early.  Early to late July.

Mature plants will produce 20 lbs of fruit (!)

Savory sweet. Full sun; moist, well-drained soils.

Zones 4-7.

'Patriot'

Planted middle.

Dark green foliage, edible fruits, showy white flowers.

6-12 ft height.

Full sun. Average water.

Firescaping, very wet areas, woodland garden.

Attracts birds (ya think?!)

Zone 3.

From the web: produces 10-20 lbs of fruit per plant. Height 4 feet, spread 2-4 feet.

Beautiful fall color, berries ripen in July. Protect blossoms from late spring frosts.

Cross between lowbush and highbush varieties.

Can withstand wet soils better than other varieties.

'Blue Ray'

Planted left-hand side, close to fence.

Blue-green foliage.

10-12 ft height, 6-8 ft spread.

Sun to partial shade.

Edible berries. White blooms from late spring to early summer.

Very acidic soil.

Requires consistently moist soil.

Zone 4.

From the web: Estimated mature height 4-5 feet, spread 3-4 feet. Largest berry on the market! Crimson fall color. Very sweet, light-blue fruits resist cracking.

I was going to get a picture of them from further away, but they completely blend into the hillside. I have to squint to see where they are from the kitchen window.

My only concern is the moisture needs.  I guess whatever we rig up to keep the garden watered could be extended up to the bushes for the dry end-of-summer days.