by Jo Barnes | photos by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
Blueberries. We love their flavour, and everything you need to know about them is in their name. They are berries and they’re blue. Everybody understands that right?!
Not so fast. These little round morsels of deliciousness are actually a deep indigo, and each type has its own unique flavour.
Stewart’s Berry Patch has been growing blueberries on the Peninsula since 1992, and here, they really understand this fruit and its amazing diversity. “Blueberries differ in size, taste, productivity, season and shade,” says Brent Warner, farm stand manager. “There are hundreds of types.”
“We grow five varieties of blueberries here. Some of our oldest plants are 27 years old,” adds Ian Stewart, owner of the farm. “People have different tastes in blueberries and are very specific in what they want.”
B.C. is now one of the largest highbush blueberry suppliers in the world, and they form an important part of the provincial economy. Known for their nutritional benefits and sweet flavour, blueberries are recognized for their deep colour. While they appear to be blue, the colour is actually a deep purple or indigo. This colour is created by the pigment in them known as anthocyanin: a powerful antioxidant that can help the body fight against the risk of disease. As the fruit ripens, the amount of anthocyanin in it increases and the colour of the berry intensifies.
While the name, Stewart’s Berry Patch, might evoke the image of a small plot of land, it is, in fact, a sprawling five-acre property along Oldfield Road owned by Ian and his wife Jackie. Originally, a variety of other types of berries were grown here but over time, blueberries were added and eventually became the more prominent crop, with varieties introduced to lengthen the season.
Currently, the farm grows Duke, Reka, Sparton, Blue Crop and Sierra blueberries. For those curious about the different varieties and when they may be available, visit www.stewartsberrypatch.com.
Each blueberry variety at Stewart’s has its own characteristics, starting with how long each type takes to mature. “The Duke, Spartan and Reka are the earliest ones we pick,” comments Brent. “The Duke is a laggard; it’s slow to grow, but it’s definitely one of our most popular varieties.”
Each type produces its fruit at a different place on the plant. Some are tip-bearing plants like the Blue Crop, which produces fruit high up on the plant, and while some blueberry plants produce large berries, others are quite small. “The Sparton produces huge berries,” says Brent.
It has taken time, accumulated knowledge and skill to bring this “patch” of plants to its healthy bounty each year. A former specialist with Agriculture Canada, Brent began working with Ian in 2013. “I knew most of the farmers on Vancouver Island and had worked with them in solving various problems and helping them diversify. I talked with Ian daily and we became friends,” he relates.
Plants are attended to daily to check progress or any issues. Instead of overhead watering which can transfer disease, the plants are ground watered. Sawdust is laid down around each row to retain moisture, add organic matter to the soil, and also to keep plants cool. There is no use of pesticides on the farm. “We use insects for pest management like ladybugs to deal with aphids. We don’t spray because we have perennial flowers here and also animals like dogs and goats.”
A key part of successful blueberry growing is effective pruning during the winter season, and here, the teamwork between Ian and Brent shines. “I like winter pruning. Ian and I do it together,” says Brent. “We each have a preferred side. It’s like a ballet. We have the skill and are moving quickly and smoothly.”
By June the berries are forming. From the end of that month through to August, it’s berry picking time. Brent is quick to attest to the quality of the product here. “I would rate Ian as one of the better growers in the province!”
The farm is a U-Pick operation. Customers bring their own containers and their enthusiasm.
“It is a unique park-like atmosphere. There are picnic tables, washrooms and lots of parking,” says Brent. “It’s a family destination. 30% of our customers have been coming here for 20 years.”
Signs indicating the variety of berry in each row make it easy for visitors to pick their favourites. In addition, there are friendly goats which have proven a hit for local children visiting with their families.
“You can have a quiet family day and see what farm life is all about and what’s involved,” shares Brent. “You can experience how good food is when you pick it yourself and taste it. You are also supporting local farms.”
There’s nothing like spending an afternoon picking at the berry patch. You get fresh air, a bit of exercise, and a basket full of indigo … er … blueberries.
