Healthy chocolate? Xocai is just that!

    With the numerous studies about the benefits of Healthy Chocolate that repeatedly state the many positive healthy response so many have eating pure, cold processed cacao...

Superior antioxidant protection

Increased cardiovascular support

Anti-aging effects

Support of the brain mental function

Healthy inflammatory response

Significant energy boost

Improved immune function

Enhanced blood-sugar control

Increased ability to maintain a healthy weight

Controlled appetite and cravings

Improved mood and emotional health 

 Quick. Think of the best antioxidants you’ve ever heard of. Red wine? Green tea? Pomegranate? Blueberries? Dark chocolate leaves them all in the dust. The USDA published a chart of antioxidant foods measured in ORACs (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity Units). For every 100 grams, dark chocolate has 13,120 ORACs, and blueberries have only 2,400.
   Antioxidant-rich diets have been linked to a lowered risk of heart attacks, stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer’s and more. So it stands to reason that if chocolate is chock full of antioxidants, it’s actually good for you.

Here is a Ted talk by David Wolfe about the many health benefits of Raw food cacao...healthy chocolate.

 

Raw chocolate is the #1 food in magnesium of any food in the world, which is the #1 deficiency in the western world. Highest natural source of iron, manganese and chromium-very important minerals for blood building, stable blood sugar and de-stresses us. Phosphorus, Zinc and copper. Phosphorus for bone. Eat good chocolate. Not all chocolate is equal.

 Processed chocolate is not the one that's changing my life right now. Ask me

Also, Xocai is a fair trade, sustainably conscientious company. We plant over 100,000 cacao trees a year on the farms in Africa. Vegan, raw cane crystals for sweetener, NON-GMO...it's the real deal.    ORAC scored and proven-we label every package to show the consumer the benefits.

 My story:  I've been regularly eating this chocolate for about 8 weeks now, and honestly, I have some really noticeable differences. It took about 5 days to notice anything, really, but then I noticed my energy level was increasing and my blood sugar levels were leveling out, no more highs and lows (which have continued to improve still) My coffee consumption decreased in half-blood sugar trigger- and my sweet cravings decreased. My son, who has had blood sugar spikes like myself, has all but lost his, too-no more headaches! That is amazing!!! There is more...I have more creative energy, more clear thinking and sleep better. I'll take all of that and more! I've also notoce that I've lost inches around my waist and upper body, and I'm ok with that too!
Don't just take my word for it, Try it

Fall is THE best time to fertilize with organics

I get so many questions about   this topic, so here are some answers    Fall is THE best time to fertilize with organics. First of all, since they are slow release, they are slow to break down and so fall - with its attendant rains -starts the breakdown process.  BUT, due to cooler soil temps and lower N values, the plants don't needlessly convert the nutrients into excessive vegetative growth.  Instead, they plants start building up the storage pantry -- which is what will be needed for the spring flush, when reserves would otherwise be depleted. Also, building up a robust root structure is what will help your plants prevent frost damage.  Our winters have been a bit whacky, but what has been a pattern is a few weeks of super cold weather. You need to freeze proof your plants.  A good fall fertilizing with Hendrikus Organics, which offers an ample supply of beneficial soil microbes will help in this process. Similarly, with all the rains the winter months will bring, a robust root structure will utilize the water better.                            Fall is also the time of year to amend soils and build the best soil structure.  Increase organic matter through compost -- and humate (HuMagic), and food sources that will feed both the plants and the microbes.  HO ferts contain at least 22 different species of beneficial microbes.  The microbes do much of the work in making nutrients available, but they also are the carpenters improving soils "architecture."  Increased pore space and aggregates of soil particles are necessary to drain te heavy rains. Otherwise, you will have soggy soil which can not breathe. The anaerobic conditions lead to death of beneficial microbes -- and root rot!  )= sick plants)    Lastly, fruit bearing plants such as blueberries are setting their fruitbuds now for next year. Fertilize now to get the best yield next year.  Similarly, the berries come out of the winter "starved."  A good fall fertilization will give them the nutrients they need to get producing more effectively during the growing season.  Liquid HuMagic:  Stressed trees & shrubs.  Treat with soil drench all around the drip line.  Do a foliar leaf spray for Non-Conifers. (conifers breathe through their needles so we don't recommend spraying needles). The Humagic contains a mixture of benefical organic acids: Humic, Ulmic, and  Fulvic Acid.  The fulvic acid in particular, has a very low molecular weight -- which enables it to pass immediately through the cell wall where it immediately works to chelate minerals in forms useful to plants. The synergistic effect of the organic acids serves to improve metabolism, nutrient efficiency, and disease resistance.  Japanese & Vine Maples have been particularly stressed by the long drought period.  While they are attractive now, in terms of their characteristic fall color, most maples are still a bit flacid and lack the vigor and pop they usually display. Perk them up and help them build up for winter stresses with applications of Liquid HuMagic:  They will respond quite happily to soil & foliar drenches.  Mix at rate of 2oz/gallon, apply every two weeks -- or for more immediate perk up and improved appearance, root enhancement and disease resistance.   The difference will be noted in leaf branch stem, vigor, and leaf thickness. Sometimes more intense color.   Community supported, Supporting community Sincerely, Vera Johnson Village Green Perennial Nursery

White Center Community Development Association live auction

White Center Live Auction September 21st 2012

All photo taken by Mnerva labs

'Keeping bees in towns and cities' by Luke Dixon

Today-I received a gift.

 A book. Did I order this book? I have no memory of it...but my memory is getting worse...

 

Over a year ago I received and email from a gentleman inquiring about my bees and beekeeping.

I told him what I could and didn't know what to expect. He said he was writing a book. I felt honored to be asked about my experience...but here it is-in writing! We are in the book!

page 142.

 

 

What a pleasant surprise!

Author:

Luke Dixon

Thank you!

Organic fertilizers and soil mycorrhizae

Organic Fertilizers
Ciscoe LOVES it!
Why use anything less than the best for your garden?

I have been gardening for years. For many years I mixed all my own fertilizers...I'd buy 50lb bags of fertilizer ingredients, lug them around and custom blend them-a tiring and dirty dusty job!

I was also mail ordering mycorrhizae to add to my soil blends to stimulate healthy root-soil development.
I was blending and bagging the fertilizer to sell to my customers...
TIME consuming!
BUT, this was the most important component to healthy plants...HEALTHY SOIL

Seriously, there must be a better way!

I started exploring the fertilizer options and came across Hendrikus organics
StartRight is a balanced combination of endo-ecto mycorrhizae in a bio-stimulant nutrient base to assist new plants and transplants in their development of root systems and new hair roots. The name "Mycorrhizae" is Greek for fungus roots and it describes the mutually beneficial symbioses between these soil fungi and plant roots. A teaspoon of healthy soil can contain several miles of mycorrhizal filaments that play a fundamental role in establishing and extending root systems, improving plant nutrient and water uptake, disease resistance and plant growth, while reducing transplant shock and drought stress. StartRight re-establishes these essential soil fungi for healthy plant development.
(Reprinted from Hendrikus website) 

I now USE and sell EXCLUSIVELY the Hendrikus line.

For me-there has never been a better product, complete with clear instructions and nice packaging.

Perennials Sale

As the summer comes to a close, and we begin the return to cooler temps, shorter days and and colorful changes that fall brings, we realize some plants are more sleepy than others...so...            We're having a 'Sleeping beauty' sale.  Spring bloomers, trees and shrubs will be so much more vigorous and floriferous in the spring if you plant in the Fall.    Why you ask?  They are dormant.  Strong root development can take place over the winter, resulting in less spring maintenance/watering, and stronger healthier plants.            The same things apply to Fall planting...     The success of healthy, well developed plants is                                IN THE SOIL.  Amend soil with manure/homemade compost and organic fertilizers break the roots up-this is very important soak the rootball- up to an hour if necessary pour at least a gallon or more of water into the planting hole,  backfill and water again...                            Sleeping Beauties SALE  50%off sleeping/resting plants Sept 22nd-30th  Perennials on sale  Daylilies  Dahlia's  Foxtail lilies  Hardy Geraniums  Columbine  Geum  Hellebores  Lady's mantle  Iris  Hosta's-going to sleep soon (excludes Guacamole)  Taro  Lilies  Shasta daisies   Carnation  Monarda  Daffodils  Tulips  Uvularia  Filipendula  Yarrow  Alliums  Veronica  Eryngium  Penstemon   Bowles golden grass  Scented geraniuims-houseplant or outside in summer  Devil's club- a NW native Impatiens- noli-tangere, NW native  and more... Shrubs on sale  Indian Plum  Ninebarks  Barberry  mystery azalea's  Gooseberry  Vines on sale  (excludes hops and honeysuckle)  All clematis  Climbing hydrangeas   and more...  Select Roses on sale...  York and lancaster (overstock sale)  Complicata (os sale)  Sissinghurst castle (os sale)  Evangeline   Everest Fragrance  Cardinal Richelieu  Margarets Rambler  Golden Showers   and more... The only West Seattle source for Hendrikus Organic Fertilizer and soil mycorhhyzza. Give your plants the right start. Family owned and operated. 35 years in business. Community supported. Sincerely, Vera Johnson Village Green Perennial Nursery