If you love blueberries fortheir wonderful flavour, eatlots and keep eating them

because they are one of the bestnatural health foods we have.

At the USDA Human NutritionCentre, scientists have deter-mined that when compared to 40 other freshfruits and vegetables, blueberries are numberone in antioxidant activity. In other words, theyhelp neutralize harmful by-products of me-tabolism called ‘free radicals’ which can lead tocancer and many age-related diseases.

Anthocyanin, the pigment that creates the‘blue colour’ in blueberries, is primarily respon-sible for the major health benefits. But there’smore. Researchers at Rutgers University in NewJersey have found a compound in blueberriesthat promotes urinary tract health and reducesthe risk of infection. European and Japanesescientists have documented the relationshipbetween anthocyanin and improved eyesightand the easing of eye fatigue. The AmericanChemical Society has released informationabout a substance in blueberries, called pteros-tilbene, which has the potential to lower cho-lesterol. Further USDA research has also foundthat various compounds in vacciniums are help-ful in reducing obesity and heart disease.

There is a great deal of research now takingplace on the many health benefits of blueber-ries, but if you eat about a cup a day, you justmight be the beneficiary of all kinds of goodstuff.

Blueberry plants are now available in storesand they are one of the easiest plants to growin a home garden. In spite of all you’ve heardabout pollination, blueberries are technicallyself-fertile. Production, however, is far better if

two or more different varieties are planted. Tosay blueberries love acidic soil is an understate-ment. It is also important to choose a locationthat is rich in organic matter, but be careful toavoid manures. There are genetic dwarf, lowbush and high bush varieties of blueberryplants, so they can fit into almost any gardenarea. Don’t hesitate to blend them in with otheracid-loving broad-leaved plants like rhododen-drons, Pieris japonica or Viburnum tinus. Treatyour blueberry plants more as ornamentalsrather than small fruits and use them as part ofyour landscaping. One plant by itself looks outof place, but a grouping of three or five, placedclose together, blends nicely into any planting.

For a real novelty, try a true dwarf varietycalled ‘Top Hat’. This compact strain seldomgrows over 18 inches high and is well suited tobonsai pots. Granted, its flavour is not quitethe same as some of the commercial varieties,but its fruit still tastes good on cereal or overice cream. A more flavourful low variety is thecute little ‘Brunswick’ that only grows six toeight inches high and two feet wide and is quiteat home planted in a bed of heathers or dwarfconifers.

Most blueberry varieties fall into early, midor late season classifications. With our idealgrowing area, I recommend planting one ofeach type to prolong the harvest period. Nowyou can stretch the season ever further byplanting the extra early variety called ‘Elliot’and the extra late one called ‘Spartan’. If you’rehung up on really big berries, then the largestin the world are the ‘Darrow’ and ‘Chandler’.Both have great flavour.

Birds are the main pest affecting blueberriesin the home garden and netting is really theonly solution.

Now is a great time to plant blueberries.They are one of the very best health foods inthe world.

REVIEWHome ShowREEVVIEWVVMmm, blueberriesIN THE GARDEN Brian Minter

www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, March 25, 2011, A43

FINAL SALES EVENT

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Marketing & Sales by: Portrait Homes Realty Ltd.All prices exclude taxes and are subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

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www.tricitynews.comA44 Friday, March 25, 2011, Tri-City News

www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, March 25, 2011, A45

$$249,500249,500 CENTRALLY LOCATED

Located in heart of • Port Coquitlam Spacious 2 bedroom, • 2 level apartment Tons of counter space • & cupboardsHigh ceiling in living room • Bright south facing balcony•

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Very desirable 3 bedroom, 1787 sq ft home ideally situated in Whistler-inspired ‘Adventure Ridge’! Great outdoor space with level, fenced rear yard plus a large 19’x 6’ west-facing balcony overlooking a natural forested area. Open living and dining rm w/gas fireplace & access to the covered front balcony. Spacious, open kitchen with centre island plus easy access to the fenced rear yard & patio. 3 bedrooms up - Master offers walk-in closet & 3-pc ensuite. Flexible space on the lower level includes rec room/den with 2 pc bath. Double garage & plenty of visitor parking beside or across from the home or use street parking behind. Walk to Heritage Mountain Community Centre & Aspenwood Elementary!

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Only 1 hour from Vancouver. Great water-front property on a quiet street in gated, private 30 acre park. Park contains 2 boat launches, horseshoes, clubhouse, kids playground, Internet, pay phones, bathroom and shower facilities. Low yearly fee of ap-proximately $1561.00 includes all except electricity. Act fast summer is coming!

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The Boulevard Club. This 1 bedroom, 717 sq ft well kept home boasts an open concept design with insuite laundry off the kitchen. Cozy gas fi replace, newer laminate fl ooring. Large master has cheater ensuite and large closet. Walk to shops, restaurants, transit and more. Rainscreened. Pets OK. Call now.

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www.tricitynews.comA46 Friday, March 25, 2011, Tri-City News

A New Plateau by Liberty Homes.Distinguished Concrete Apartments Starting from $380,000

Now Selling, Contact Us for More Information604.472.0009 | www.libertyhomes.ca

Nestled between towering evergreens high on Westwood Plateau, Cascade features luxury 1,200 square foot suites in Coquitlam’s premier neighbourhood. Designed for

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Outstanding Value

For 1,200 Square Foot Units

*The developer reserves the right to make modifications to the information contained herein. Photographs and renderings are representational only and may not be accurate. Some conditions and additional requirements within the deposit structure apply. Please see a Grand Central sales representative for details. E.&O.E.

604 936 1888 GRANDCENTRALNOW.COM 2929 ATLANTIC AVENUE, COQUITLAM BC · OPEN DAILY 12-5PM OR BY APPOINTMENT, CLOSED FRIDAYSONE BEDS FROM $286,000 · TWO BEDS FROM $347,000

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www.tricitynews.com Tri-City News Friday, March 25, 2011, A47

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