Blackberries (Rubus spp.) — dark purple, sweet-tart fruits high in vitamins and disease-fighting compounds -- are protected by thorny canes that twist into impenetrable brambles when left unattended.

Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a lush garden, but there are certain plants that can bear fruit in as little as two months. Depending on the fruit, you don't even need a whole lot of space.

SEATTLE — It's a problematic plant in the Pacific Northwest, but Ciscoe Morris has a suggestion for controlling blackberries – plant one in a container. “This isn't just any blackberry. It's called ...