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MARCH 2013 HOMES PLUS 7 The Boomer's New Ranch and 2 Story Models for Sale Next Step Ranch 231009008 Split Master Ranch Porch 3 Car Submitted photos Honeyberries grow on large bushes and are a super fruit for health benefits. Honeyberries are very tasty and healthy We all know about the health benefits of berries, along with their great taste, and many of you are probably already growing some of your own. There are blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries and more that we have been enjoying for years. I know. I have a bunch of these growing around my yard. In the past few years, though, there has been a lot of research done on different kinds of new and interesting berries. In fact, some are becoming known as super fruits. They are named this because of their health benefits. Maybe you've heard of some of them. There are goji berries, aronia berries, sea berries and the honeyberry , also known as the blue honeysuckle berry . The honeyberry a member of the honey, suckle family originates from Russia. Its , berries look like an elongated blueberry , although slightly larger. It is one of the first fruits of the growing season that you will pick, even before strawberries. That's a plus in my opinion. Some people say the flavor is a combination of blueberry and blackberry , but I think it has a flavor all its own. So how hard are they to grow? If they can grow in Russia, they can grow here. They are less fussy to grow than other berries, such as blueberries, are hardier and are resistant to many of the diseases that plague our other fruit. This makes it a great plant for organic gardeners. They grow in just about any soil type, from clay to sand. They can grow in full sun to part shade. In Wisconsin, with our hot and humid summers, they benefit from a little afternoon shade. Another great characteristic is that they don't sucker like other fruits do. Each bush should give you 10 to 15 pounds of berries once it is established. As an important side note: You need two different varieties for pollination, just like blueber- MICHAEL TIMM ries. So, why is it considered a super fruit? They have a high concentration of antioxidants, bioactive flavonoids and an alphabet of vitamins and micro-nutrients, including a high concentration of vitamin C. The amount of flavonoids alone is remarkable, with way too many health benefits to list here. Refer to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry December , 2008, for a full analysis of their benefits. I think it will amaze you. Sometimes though, when we think healthy we associate it with poor taste. In , this case, that's completely wrong. They have an excellent flavor. They make great pies and tarts, jams and preserves, sauces and glazes, and are great right off the bush. Anything that you would use a blueberry for, or any other fruit, will work for these, as well. They also blend nicely with other fruits. They're wonderful on a mixed fruit tart. Why not grow something that is not only unique, but healthy and delicious, as well? So plant a couple, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. A little pun there. Happy gardening. (Michael Timm is the head horticulturist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia. He can be reached at mtimm@ebertsgreenhouse.com.) Under $200,000 Complete! Water & Sewer Lots $36,900 These are a few recent BOOMER design ideas TAKE THE BADGER TOUR AT MODELHOMEMAGAZINE.COM We Custom Design at no additional charge To Your wish list and price point from Lake Lot Designs to our new Car Guys/Chefs Kitchen Boomer all in the $200s! Waukesha Ranch Model Open Sat - Sun 1 to 4 and Mon & Wed 6 to 8 94 to Hwy G-Waukesha (Meadowbrook, TT) south 1 mile, 1/3 mile past water tower to Rolling Ridge Subdivision, left to 2007 Coldwater Creek Ranch model, 5th house on right. 262-893-7440 or visit BadgerHomes.com BADGER HOME BUILDERS From smaller ranches to large two story's we custom design to your needs. See the latest trends in quality built, energy efficient, affordable custom homes. Lots of Lots $30s to Large Lake Front. Very little cash needed to build! 4050312-01