The evolution of the berry bush continues. Once large and untamed, berry bushes are becoming smaller and are being adapted for new uses, including as ornamentals.

The increasing popularity of berries as ornamentals is part of the trend toward urbanizing gardening, thinking smaller and trying nontraditional plants, said Steve Raczak of Twixwood Nursery in Berrien Springs, Mich.

"There's a movement toward reducing sizes and increasing the variations of color," he said. "There's lots of movement in berries, fruits, herbs, vegetables, so the convenience of growing and harvesting can literally be done on your patio."

Another factor in their popularity is the hope that they will appeal to a different gardening demographic.

"There's so much talk in our industry about how to attract young people to gardening," says Robin Rinaca, owner of Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia, located in Melfa, Va.

"The gardening population was traditionally women in their 50s to 70s. As that demographic gets older, there are concerns about what will follow. Kids in their 20s? I don't know if they'll be gardening."

In addition to containers on patios or balconies, small berry bushes can be used in more traditional landscaping as shrubs or hedges. Some resemble boxwoods, yet offer interesting colors — pink, red, burgundy — depending on the time of year.

If you're thinking of using berries as ornamentals, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are among your best bets. They're compact, they produce fruit, and some are even attractive. There's also a geek factor, something to impress visitors.

New products are reaching the garden stores.

Kylie Keppler, marketing assistant for Fall Creek Farm & Nursery of Lowell, Ore., said the company released three types of berry plants last year. Two were blueberries (Peach Sorbet and Jelly Bean), and the other was raspberry (Raspberry Shortcake). A fourth, Blueberry Glaze, was released this year, and more varieties are in the pipeline.

"They're aesthetically pleasing, and typically have amazing color and different color year-round," she said. "Whether it's a raised bed or on a balcony, you can have berries."

In addition, many companies offer strawberry varieties that can be used in planters or hanging baskets. Even small lemon or lime trees can be grown in a pot on the patio.

Full sun is a requirement, along with acid soil for the blueberries and a more neutral pH for raspberries. Fertilize in the spring and water moderately. Also, plan ahead for a more steady harvest of fruit. Strawberries mature early, blueberries and raspberries in midseason. Plant accordingly and move your containers around for the biggest impact and best productivity.

Be aware that what gardeners gain in show value, they will lose in yield.

"A lot of people want to grow things on their deck, but you're not growing much in a 2-gallon pot," Rinaca said.