I thought it was time the High Point Resident Green Agent (self-titled…) gave an update as to the opportunity for home buyers to move in to the great neighborhood of High Point in West Seattle. We’re coming up on our 2nd anniversary since our home purchase here and although we are sad to see some of our neighbors go, we always welcome new folks to the area with pleasure and look forward to the chance to make new friends.

You can View Listings of homes for sale right now and then call me if you have any questions. Refer to this link for photos related to my AWARD comments below.

The CUTEY-PATOOTIE award goes to NWMLS #29067916, an architecturely interesting and rare-to-buy 750 sq ft carriage home on 31st Avenue SW near Graham Street and the 4 acre Commons Park. How often do you find a place where the bathrooms outnumber the bedrooms? Great angled vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen, and private attached garage. There are only 4 homes like this in the High Point community. Unfortunately for my neighbor it is a short sale but that means it is reasonable priced at $285,000. This home is four star Built Green certified. (This photo is of homes on Cycle Court SW, not of the home I am mentioning, see link for actual photos).

The BARGAIN BASEMENT award goes to a generously sized 2 bedroom 2 bath one level suite on the 2nd floor of the 2980 Raymond building in the Polygon-built “Redwood High Point” condominium subassociation. NWMLS #28195527 came on market last December for $322,950, but through preforeclosure proceedings is now attractively priced at – wait for it – $249,500. This particular home has a ground level attached garage and covered deck with a view of Elliott Bay, the Space Needle and part of downtown Seattle. The home faces View Point Park. All electric heat (including the fireplace) and three star Built Green certified. I have a friend with the same floor plan in another building and I really like her place. Sometimes I envy her suite and wonder what possessed me to buy a three-story townhome. Then I remember it was because I wanted better buns (and honestly, more square footage)!

I love my neighborhood and although it pains me to see some people being faced with short sale situations – many of us are on the brink of this and can empathize – I AM happy to see homes for sale at prices that I believe first time home buyers can attain with all of the government assistance currently available. If you have any questions about High Point, West Seattle (lived here since 1997), green homes or real estate I welcome your emails or phone calls. I can be reached on my Accessline at 206.686.HOME (4663).

I will add one final comment that there is a home going up for real estate auction next Thursday at the corner fo 35th Avenue SW and SW Raymond Street, across from the High Point Library. It is not in the “redeveloped” High Point area but is considered a part of the larger neighbordhood. Unfortunately I do not have any information on it besides what my husband has garnered from the like TEN yellow “real estate auction” signs stuck all over the parking strip on both streets. Home becomes open for viewing at 8 AM on June 18th and the starting bid is $50,000. You should drive by if you know someone who might be interested – and they should consult their financial advisors and real estate attorneys or be experienced in real estate auctions.

I also market homes for sale if you know of someone who needs to put their home on the market.

I just uploaded over 250 current listings of environmentally certified homes and condos for sale in some Seattle neighborhoods. Right now there are more e-cert homes coming on market than traditional because green homes generally are new construction being completed and traditional homes are currently occupied and sometimes difficult to sell for the move-up buyer.

Please check out these active listings on the GreenWorks Realty web site. And call or email or tweet me if you would like more information!

Guy Battle, Director, Battle McCarthy Ltd.
Low Energy Buildings and Sustainable Communities: Designing for the Net Zero Economy

Guy Battle is an environmental and building engineer known for his work in low energy sustainable buildings and urban environments. His consultancy engineering practice has worked on a vast range of projects and has an international reputation for its work in delivering cost effective eco-friendly buildings.

Thursday, June 25
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Seattle Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium
1000 Fourth Avenue
Cost: $10
Cascadia Members – please remember to bring your Cascadia passport in order to receive free admission!

No one will be denied entry based on ability to pay. Contact Angie Morgan (206) 223-2028 for scholarship opportunities.

The Transformational Lecture Series aims to inspire all building industry professionals to embrace their role in creating a sustainable built environment now, as well as ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to all development in the future.

Pre-register here

The latest issue of the City of Seattle’s Department of Planning and Development newsletter features a LEED Gold project here in Seattle, the Zoomazium at the Woodland Park Zoo.

According to the zoo web site,

The ZOOMAZIUM building was registered with the LEED program with a target of silver certification, the second level in the rating scale.The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. In late 2006, ZOOMAZIUM received GOLD certification, the second highest level in the rating scale.

The building has a green roof (see photo), “natural ventilation” (see also the New Green Building Publication on Natural Ventilation), natural daylighting, energy conservation measures, is built using FSC-Certified wood, green solar screens, proper siting of the building so that large existing trees to the west provide sun screening for that side of the building, use of native landscaping techniques, and even special patterns on the glass to reduce the likelihood of birds hitting the windows.

Learn more about the design and purpose of this amazing building at the Zoomazium web site.

Congrats once again to Mithun for a great building design. You rock!!

P.S. This is my 400th post!!

This comes from this weekend’s Pacific Northwest in the Seattle Times online (Home and Garden email newsletter tipped me off).

Read Wildlife biologist Russell Link picks 10 native plants as his ‘indispensables’

Wildlife biologist Russell Link chooses his list of top 10 indispensable plants for the Northwest — settling entirely on natives that have stood the test of time

by Valerie Easton (one of my favorite authors!!)
(I also own Russell Link’s books)

News from NW Multiple Listing Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2009 (updated June 5)

Inventory shrinking, sales rising, prices stabilizing in some Northwest MLS areas

KIRKLAND, WA, June 4, 2009 – Waiting longer to buy a home is not likely to pay off, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Service director Kathy Estey after reviewing reports summarizing May activity. Estey pointed to shrinking inventory (about 20 percent fewer listings than a year ago), double-digit increases in the number of pending sales (up 17.7 percent from a year ago), solid open house activity, and signs of stabilizing prices (eight of the 19 counties in the report show price gains since January) as indicators of an improving market.
Northwest MLS brokers notched 7,160 pending sales during May. That total out-gained the year-ago tally by 1,075 transactions (up 17.7 percent) and improved on April’s total by 242 sales for a 3.5 percent increase. For the four-county Puget Sound area, pending sales jumped 21.5 percent from a year ago, rising from 4,526 to 5,498 transactions.

Buyers had fewer choices during May than at this time a year ago. At month-end, member-brokers reported 41,318 active listings throughout the NWMLS service area. A year ago, there were 51,817 active listings. Current inventory includes 11,278 single family homes and condos that brokers added during May. For the same month a year ago, brokers added 14,176 new listings to inventory.

Estey, the managing broker at the Bellevue Downtown office of John L. Scott Real Estate, said affordable homes inventory is down to the levels of a normal market and reaching for a sellers’ market. “Multiple offers are common in the under $400,000 range when the home is priced well, shows nicely and is marketed professionally,” she remarked. “Buyers who are waiting for prices to come down more have missed the bottom,” Estey believes.

Close in markets are the most active, with rural areas still lagging, but Estey says there is now some activity where little to none had existed in the first quarter. She believes prices have adjusted and completed new construction is still a very attractive purchase. “Builder inventory is being absorbed and there are fewer incentives. In January builders were giving away the farm, by March it was only half the farm and now they may just give away a chicken or two in order to make the deal.”

Prices are showing signs of stabilizing, according to NWMLS data. Prices area-wide are down around 10 percent from twelve months ago, but a comparison to January shows price gains in eight of the 19 counties in the NWMLS report. System-wide, prices for single family homes and condominiums that closed last month are up about 2.6 percent since January. (See chart, page5.)

In King County, prices dipped about 12 percent from twelve months ago and have declined about 3.5 percent since January, but a closer look shows considerable variation within sub-areas. Prices in southeast King County fell 20 percent from a year ago, but since January are down only about 2.8 percent in north King County.

Condominium activity remains slow. Pending sales are down about 15 percent from a year ago. The median sales price of $240,000 is about 7.7 percent lower than a year ago. Condos in King County sold for a median price of $270,450 last month, which compares to the year-ago price of $287,925, a drop of about 6 percent).

Demand for high-priced homes is also tepid. According to Estey, there are “amazing opportunities for buyers with good credit scores and 25 percent down payment in the $900,000- plus marketplace.”

“What we’re currently seeing is real estate’s version of Back to the Future,” said J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate. He believes the combination of historically low interest rates, adjusted lower prices, and the $8,000 tax credit has created advantageous conditions for buyers that haven’t been seen in decades. He noted sales in the four-county area continue to see double digit increases. “The more affordable markets are seeing a major boost which is leading to higher sales in the mid-priced markets and causing some increases in activity in the upper end,” Scott remarked.

While cheered by the more vigorous activity, brokers note short sales and foreclosures continue to be a drag on the market. Such properties, often sold at deep discounts, may take extraordinary time to close once there has been mutual acceptance of an offer.

NWMLS director Meribeth Hutchings, broker/owner of Windermere Real Estate/Lake Stevens Inc., said her office represents the buyer of a short sale that has been pending since October. The buyers who hope to purchase the home in Mukilteo have been very patient, but are becoming less so and are ready to move from the small apartment where they have been living with two large dogs. “Every time we think we are getting close, the lender changes what they want,” Hutchings stated.

Another NWMLS director, Pat Grimm, reported similar experiences with a short sale. “We just closed one in Montlake on May 28 — after the parties to the transaction reached mutual acceptance on Feb. 10, said Grimm, the owner/broker at Windermere Real Estate/Capitol Hill. (NWMLS defines a short sale as a transaction that does not produce sufficient funds to cover the existing monetary encumbrances against the property, closing costs, real estate commissions, and other financial requirements of closing.)

Tacoma broker Dick Beeson of Windermere/Commencement Associates said he has several agents deeply involved in handling short sales since Pierce County is so hard hit. He estimates around 25 percent of all properties for sale are either bank owned or short sale, and one of every three pending sales is one or the other.

“Short sales play a big role in what many buyers are looking for,” according to Beeson, who also noted these buyers often fail to realize the extraordinary length of time it takes to close a sale – generally twice as long as a conventional sale. “Many get discouraged after 60 or 90 days and withdraw from a sale, never having received notice form the underlying lender what they are willing to take for the property. Many properties end up going to foreclosure because of the inefficiency of the banks in providing answers to offers,” Beeson commented.

The recent uptick in pending sales, both locally and nationally, is a hopeful sign that we’re putting the worst of the market behind us, suggests Ron Sparks, managing vice president at Coldwell Banker Bain.

“As you would expect in a recovering market, not all neighborhoods are uniformly performing, and for home sellers particularly, there are plenty of challenges that remain.” However, he observed, “In many neighborhoods where just a few years ago broad affordability had all but vanished, lower prices, flexible terms and very low interest rates are pushing inventory absorption for single family homes to levels not seen since 2007.”

Sparks said multiple offers for the best listed properties are occurring everywhere, including Pierce and Snohomish counties. “Improving sales in one neighborhood helps dwindle inventory, and can push motivated buyers to search for homes in other neighborhoods. This process typically occurs before prices start to stabilize,” he explained.

Has that stabilization begun? “As my old Magic 8-Ball used to tell me: signs point to yes,” according to Sparks, who noted eight counties served by the NWMLS have seen price increases since January. “The sales volume in my Bellevue office is now roughly 10 times what it was in February, with expanded sales in almost every price category. Overall inventory levels have dropped substantially as well. Does this mean the optimal time for home buyers to take full advantage of favorable market conditions has passed? I’d probably defer that to the Magic 8 ba
ll also…“Ask again later.”

Recent fluctuations in mortgage rates have brokers and buyers alike wondering if rates will escalate as inflation worries return.

“While rates now are wonderfully low, waiting has cost buyers. Loans recently available for 4.75% are now 5.25%,” according to broker Kathy Estey. On a $400,000 loan, that means the monthly payment rises from around $2,128 to about $2,253 – and increase of nearly $125. She believes it would be wise to act now for the best selection in the affordable homes. “Who knows if we will see rates of 5% or below again anytime soon,” she wonders.

Commenting on a recent report from the National Association of Realtors showing a third consecutive month of improving pending sales, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member brokers, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes approximately 28,000 brokers and agents. The organization, based in Kirkland, currently serves 19 counties in western and central Washington.

It’s not just my saying it – now Realty Times is telling you!

It’s becoming the buzz word in housing — “green” homes are what many buyers are interested in these days. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as much as 90 percent of home buyers think that energy efficiency is a very important factor when shopping for a home.

Read Going Green May Help Sell Your Home

News Release

HUD No. 09-072
Lemar Wooley
(202) 708-0685
www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm
For Release Friday May 29, 2009

———-

DONOVAN ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT’S HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT CAN IMMEDIATELY HELP THOUSANDS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TO BUY A HOME
FHA plan will stimulate new home sales and help stabilize housing market

WASHINGTON – Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration’s new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. Donovan said that today’s action will help stabilize the nation’s housing market by stimulating home sales across the country.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homebuyers a tax credit of up to $8,000 for purchasing their first home. Families can only access this credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS. Today’s announcement details FHA’s rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits to “monetize” up to the full amount of the tax credit (depending on the amount of the mortgage) so that borrowers can immediately apply the funds toward their down payments. Home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. To read the FHA’s new mortgagee letter, visit HUD’s website.

“We believe this is a real win for everyone,” said Donovan. “Today, the Obama Administration is taking another important step toward accelerating the recovery of the nation’s housing market. Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away. At the same time we are putting safeguards in place to ensure that consumers will be protected from unscrupulous lenders. What we’re doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing.”

Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to make a minimum 3.5 percent downpayment on the purchase of their home. Current law does not permit approved lenders to monetize the tax credit to meet the required 3.5 percent minimum down payment, but, under the terms of today’s announcement, lenders can now monetize the tax credit for use as additional down payment, or for other closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. Buyers financing through state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their downpayments via secondary financing provided by the HFA or non-profit. In addition to the borrower’s own cash investment, FHA allows parents, employers and other governmental entities to contribute towards the downpayment. Today’s action permits the first-time homebuyer’s anticipated tax credit under the Recovery Act to be applied toward the family’s home purchase right away. Unlike seller-funded down-payment assistance, which was a vehicle for abuse, this program will allow homebuyers to shop for the best home price and services using their anticipated tax credit.

According to estimates by the National Association of Home Builders, the Administration’s homebuyer tax credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales across the nation – 101,000 of which will be first-time buyers who will receive the credit. Another 59,000 existing homeowners will be able to buy another home because a first-time buyer purchased their home. Given FHA’s current market share, it’s estimated that thousands of families will be able to purchase a home by allowing the anticipated tax credit to be applied toward their purchase together with an FHA-insured mortgage.

Homebuyers should beware of mortgage scams and carefully compare benefits and costs when seeking out tax credit monetization services. Programs will vary from organization to organization and borrowers should consider whether the services make sense for them, as well as what company offers the most suitable and affordable option.

For every FHA borrower who is assisted through the tax credit program, FHA will collect the name and employer identification number of the organization providing the service as well as associated fees and charges. FHA will use this information to track the business closely and will refer any questionable practices to the appropriate regulatory agencies, as necessary.

###

HUD is the nation’s housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

Courtesy of Natural Home magazine online.

“For his stunning rammed-earth home in Napa Valley, David Easton uses ancient tools and cutting-edge technology to create a back-to-the-future eco-haven. “My life’s work is helping to reintroduce earthen materials to world architecture.”

Read A Rammed-Earth Home in Napa Valley
One homeowner uses pisé de terre, a 2,000-year-old building method, to make his sustainable home.

Be sure to check out the complete photo gallery.

Originally published in 1999!

Provocative and politically motivated title above is mine…

PRESS RELEASE – Seattle Tilth Classes and Events
June 1, 2009
CONTACT: Liza Burke, (206) 633-0451 ext. 103
lizaburke@seattletilth.org

WHAT: Get Ready to Garden
WHEN: June 10, 6– 8 p.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Come out and learn how to get your garden ready for your summer crops. The Tilth gardeners will show you how to prepare your beds for planting, including adding fertilizer and compost. From there you will assist in planting seeds and starts and building garden trellises. Gardeners will leave equipped with the knowledge to get their gardens into shape and kick off a productive new garden season!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: 1,2,3 Grow a Garden
WHEN: June 13, 9-11a.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Homegrown organic veggies aren’t as hard to come by as you think. All you have to do is prepare your soil, plant the crops and maintain your plot. Join us for this two hour-long clinic and see how simple it is to start growing food in your sunny garden.
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Container Vegetable Gardening
WHEN: June 13, 10 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at Bradner Gardens Park in the Mt Baker neighborhood; 1733 Bradner Place S; Seattle 98144
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don’t have a patch of ground doesn’t mean you can’t grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started.
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Children’s Garden Summer Camps and Programs
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Children’s Gardens at the Good Shepherd Center, in Wallingford neighborhood, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103.
WHEN: Weekdays, June 15 through September 4
Fun, hands-on garden camps for children ages one to 14 years. Programs include: Peawee Classes for Infants and Toddlers; Morning Preschool Programs; Afternoon Preschool Programs; Garden Detectives for 5 and 6 year olds, Garden Adventure Day Camps for grade schoolers; Junior Counselor Program for 10-14 year olds. Camps are very popular and fill up quickly.
COST: Varies. For more info and to register, call: (206)633-0451 ext. 1, or visit http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: City Chickens 201

WHEN: June 20, 10 a.m.–12:30p.m.

WHERE: Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, room 140 (Senior Center), Seattle, WA 98103
This class continues where the introductory class left off. It covers a broad range of topics including classes and breeds, endangered breeds, parts of a bird, advanced nutrition and health, prevention of disease, incubation, exhibiting poultry, as well as other land fowl such as ducks, geese and swans. This class is designed to maximize time for questions and discussion with other experienced poultry keepers.
COST: $30 for Tilth members, $40 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Garden Hotline Booth at the Issaquah Farmer’s Market
WHEN: June 20, 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Talk with a Garden Hotline educator about any gardening and landscaping questions. Get free information about sustainable plant choices, composting, lawn care and natural pest management. Information on upcoming Seattle Tilth classes will also be available. Your garden. Our expertise.
COST: Free!

WHAT: Container Veggie Gardening
WHEN: June 24, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: Victor Steinbrueck Park, located at the north end of Pike Place Market at 2001 Western Ave
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don’t have a patch of ground doesn’t mean you can’t grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Growing Heat-Loving Crops
WHEN: June 27, 10a.m.-noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at Bradner Gardens Park in the Mt Baker neighborhood; 1733 Bradner Place S; Seattle 98144
Fresh, homegrown tomatoes, peppers and eggplant are some of the best things to come out of the garden each summer, but can be tricky to grow. This class will teach you everything you need to know to grow the biggest, earliest and best veggies around. We will discuss season extension techniques and trellising, show you how to prune, fertilize, water and harvest. We will also discuss heirloom tomatoes, best varieties to grow in the NW and tips for growing beefsteak types. If you love tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, don’t miss this class!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Composting for Apartment DwellersWHEN: July 1, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: Victor Steinbrueck Park, located at the north end of Pike Place Market at 2001 Western Ave
A workshop for apartment and condo dwellers that have limited space, but want to recycle their food scraps into rich compost. We will address the special needs of small space and indoor food composting and show you how you can make your own indoor compost bin. Come see how easy it is to get started composting in your home. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Basic Herb Gardening in Containers
WHEN: July 8, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: Victor Steinbrueck Park, located at the north end of Pike Place Market at 2001 Western Ave
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don’t have a patch of ground doesn’t mean you can’t grow fresh, organic herbs. From basil to rosemary herbs are easy and rewarding. Come learn how to begin and maintain your edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: City Chickens Coop Tour
WHEN: Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
WHERE: in several Seattle neighborhoods
See how Se
attle residents are raising chickens in the backyards of Seattle. City chickens owners invite you into their backyards for a one-day only, self-guided tour of the diverse and imaginative chicken coops throughout the city. Meet chickens and chicken owners and find out how you can raise your own flock of egg layers. New this year we have added goats, ducks and bees to the tour. Learn about the opportunities to produce eggs, goat milk and honey in the city, while enjoying a unique, family friendly weekend activity.
COST: $25 for Seattle Tilth members, $30 non-members. For more information, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Winter Gardening
WHEN: July 12, 10a.m.–noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at the Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
It’s the middle of July, it’s as hot as it gets, are you thinking about your fall and winter garden? Why not! This is the time of year to get thing started so you can be eating fresh veggies to the solstice and beyond. A little planning and effort now will pay off during the dark days of winter. Let the Tilth gardeners show you how to start seeds and how to squeeze those plants into your overflowing summer garden. Believe us, you’ll be thankful you took the time when you show off your homegrown veggies at that Holiday meal!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Fall and Winter Veggie Gardening in Containers
WHEN: July 15, 5 –7 p.m.
WHERE: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don’t have a patch of ground doesn’t mean you can’t grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Culinary Herb Gardening
WHEN: July 15, 6–8 p.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Whether you’re interested in growing basil for pesto, cilantro for salsas or mint for summer iced tea, this workshop will teach you how to grow fresh kitchen herbs all season long! We’ll go over tips for planning your herb garden, including how to select the best varieties for your site.
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Winter Gardening
WHEN: Jul 18, 9–11a.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
It’s the middle of July, it’s as hot as it gets, are you thinking about your fall and winter garden? Why not! This is the time of year to get thing started so you can be eating fresh veggies to the solstice and beyond. A little planning and effort now will pay off during the dark days of winter. Let the Tilth gardeners show you how to start seeds and how to squeeze those plants into your overflowing summer garden. Believe us, you’ll be thankful you took the time when you show off your homegrown veggies at that Holiday meal!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Composting for Apartment DwellersWHEN: July 22, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
A workshop for apartment and condo dwellers that have limited space, but want to recycle their food scraps into rich compost. We will address the special needs of small space and indoor food composting and show you how you can make your own indoor compost bin. Come see how easy it is to get started composting in your home. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Winter Gardening
WHEN: July 25, 10 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at Bradner Gardens Park in the Mt Baker neighborhood; 1733 Bradner Place S; Seattle 98144
It’s the middle of July, it’s as hot as it gets, are you thinking about your fall and winter garden? Why not! This is the time of year to get thing started so you can be eating fresh veggies to the solstice and beyond. A little planning and effort now will pay off during the dark days of winter. Let the Tilth gardeners show you how to start seeds and how to squeeze those plants into your overflowing summer garden. Believe us, you’ll be thankful you took the time when you show off your homegrown veggies at that Holiday meal!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Edible Flower Gardening in Containers
WHEN: July 29, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don’t have a patch of ground doesn’t mean you can’t grow fresh, organic edible flowers. Edible flowers are easy to grow and can make your cakes, cocktails and salads stand out. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible flower container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

SEATTLE TILTH: Founded in 1978, Seattle Tilth is a nationally recognized non-profit educational organization dedicated to cultivating a sustainable community, one garden at a time. Seattle Tilth inspires and educates people to garden organically, conserve natural resources and support local food systems in order to cultivate a healthy urban environment and community.

Liza Burke
Outreach & Development Coordinator
Seattle Tilth Association
4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Room 120
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 633-0451 ext. 103
lizaburke@seattletilth.org