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Chances are that you have a vegetable garden plotted out already. Why not add a berry patch as well? Most of us are aware by now what the health benefits of berries are.

These little treasures are rich in antioxidants, a cancer fighting element. I happen to have a gold mine right in my own yard. Our blueberry bushes came with the house we bought in rural West Salem many years ago, and we have thoroughly enjoyed them.

Favorites in our family include blueberry pancakes, muffins, pie, smoothies, cobblers, and just fresh off the vine added to cereal. Sauces make wonderful homemade gifts, and the ways to use them are endless.

I’m hoping my own personal experience will persuade you to consider growing berries rather than provide you with textbook reasons. For that I suggest reading “The Berry Grower’s Companion” by Barbara L. Bowling for in-depth instructions that you will need.

There is some work to get berries started, but don’t let that scare you. The rewards are numerous, such as using them in your landscaping design as arbor dwellers, ground covers, low edgings and hedges. They are aesthetically appealing, and most importantly, berries are just plain delicious, healthy and can be used in many recipes.

To put your berries to the taste test you can check out “The Berry Bible” by Janie Hibler. In this book are 175 recipes using wild, fresh and frozen berries.

Both books can be found at libraries in the Winding Rivers Library System. All you have to do is place a request through library staff or one of the computers in the library or from your home. Pick up location is up to you.

All my life I have followed recipes exactly as they were written, much to the annoyance of my family. Well now I have one I can call my own. It is called Very Berry Smoothie, and below is the recipe:

½ cup frozen blueberries or raspberries

½ cup skim milk

6 ounces Very Vanilla Yoplait yogurt

1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute

4 large ice cubes

For some added flavor, I put in 1 teaspoon of orange zest, or you could use lemon as both compliment blueberry recipes.

Blend and enjoy as a healthy breakfast or snack any time of the day.

Lynda Mueggenborg is a La Crosse County Library System staff member at the Hazel Brown Leicht Memorial Library in West Salem.