Monday, February 29, 2016

OPEN 10-4 Saturdays

Here you will find a different atmosphere than most nurseries.
Step into a more relaxed environment. Listen to the birds and take note of the diversity of important pollinator plants growing here. What you might think is a weed, is most likely an edible plant or serves some benefit here (though I do have some pesky plants that get ahead of me, FOR CERTAIN!)
We are trained to think things we don't "plant" are weeds. Wrong. Some of them are extremely important for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and more.
P1050022Ask me...I'll do my best to describe my years of observations.
Permaculture is a broad term. I've practiced it here in my own way for 14 years now and I am quite pleased with what has evolved here. I live here, so expect to see my projects and works in progress. Check calendar for hours.
IMG_2372I welcome volunteers. I can take volunteers on most Saturdays 10-4, (and Sunday's in April/May/June)  I'll do my best to share information with you in trade for help either cleaning up an area, harvesting a wild salad or potting up plants. I might even send you home with a plant or two.
I've used tons and tons woodchips to remediate the soils, because the woodchips sprout fungi and pull out the toxins, restoring the soil fertility and the underground food web network. I let plants decay on the ground as it enriches and benefits the soils mycology. No one cleans up the forests, and they are thriving when man is not harvesting aggressively.
056
I grow many plants here, from divisions or cuttings and I only buy from responsible conscious growers, locally.
I look forward to your visit.
Call ahead for EGGS, honey, Wild harvest salad mix or consulting.  Consulting with you about your gardens during my open business hours will have a $35 hr fee. Coming to your site will incur a different rate and I can give you that rate sheet via email.
Check calendar to be certain we are open or call/text 206-819-8544 to schedule a visit.

Blacksmithing workshops

Basic introduction to blacksmithing. 4 workshops to choose from. Skill level, beginner to intermediate. $135 each workshop. Pay for class here, please call to confirm. 206-819-8544. I have a 2 student max for the class.
9 and up is best, adults are welcome to sign up with kids!
I can only take 2 people at a time in the shop.
Learn how to taper, draw out and scroll hot steel to form shapes for functional items, such as a fire poker, a towel rack or camp cook set.  A lesson in Physics!       I am not a knife maker. knives require special heat treating and annealing, however we can make the shapes if return student would like to try it.
  10-2  Sundays in March, 6, 13, 20, 27 (1 day workshop) $135 each class 11-2 pm (includes materials) Choose one or more
Class projects include, Fire poker, plant hanger, curtain rod hangers, paper towel or toilet roll holder
or bring your ideas and let's see what we can do in the time we have.
IMG_0356
Must sing a waiver. Village Green/Vera Johnson is not responsible for any injuries
IMG_20140107_123453 036
We'll hammer iron, learn proper posture and holding techniques, shop safety and more
I'll demo then you can try your 'arm and hammer'
Must wear canvas or denim pants, fitted cotton long sleeve shirt, wear layers. Flannel shirt, denim shirt, leather shoes. No synthetic materials. They can melt and burn skin.
Hair must be tied back. NO Fleece, no baggy clothes.
I would be willing to discuss the hourly rental of the studio with interested adults.
I have been a practicing blacksmith for over 15 years, taking classes from Scott Shattuck at the Duwamish trade center through SSCC, Continuing my education through weekend workshops with David Lisch, master damascus knife maker (I do not make knives, we practiced other skills) and apprenticed for Shannon Buckner of 'Bent productions'
camp cook set
Vera 206-819-8544
10223 26th Ave SW Seattle Wa 98146 
Street parking. Shop is onsite at Village Green