Sunday Permaculture Class At Center For Urban Horticulture

The Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street) is having an introduction to Permaculture on Sunday from 10-3pm. The cost is $75.

The information says:

Permaculture, which stands for “permanent agriculture,” is a set of ethics and system of design used to create agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems.  Since its inception in Australia in the 70’s, permaculture’s popularity has been on a steady rise worldwide. Permaculture goes beyond organic and focuses on whole-systems thinking and ecological regeneration.  This class will explain the history, ethics, and principles of permaculture, as well as why permaculture is a necessary solution for climate change and food security.  You will learn practical ways to implement permaculture practices at home for a greener household.  Instructor Laura Christie Khanna works professionally as a Permaculturist – designing, consulting, teaching, and farming. Self-sufficiency is what she’s about. From stomping grapes for wine to caring for chickens, veggies and compost, fermenting sourdoughs, foraging for wild foods, and saving seeds, she’s your source for regenerative agriculture and natural living. Register Online or by phone (206-685-8033). Bring your own lunch.

This week-end Self-Defense Seminar At Laurelhurst Gym

This week-end a Self-Defense Seminar for ages 18 and older is being held at the Laurelhurst Elementary School Gym from 9:30-4:30 both days, with a 30 minute break. The cost is $60.


The description says:

Self-defense is a set of awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills, safety strategies, and physical techniques that enable someone to successfully escape, resist, and survive violent attacks.  

A good self-defense course provides psychological awareness and verbal skills, not just physical training. Self-defense training can increase your options and help you prepare responses to slow down, de-escalate, or interrupt an attack. Like any tool, the more you know about it, the more informed you are to make a decision and to use it.  

There are no guarantees when it comes to self-protection. However, self-defense training can increase your choices and your preparedness. 

Register online , call 206-684-7529 or register in person at Laurelhurst Community Center, using barcode 183307.

Family Nature Classes Offered This Month At Center For Urban Horticulture

 

UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street) is having several upcoming "Family Nature Classes" offered Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday at 9:30-11:30am, August 5th-29th.

The information says: 

Family Nature Class

Join us for a Family Nature Class this summer, and make connections with the natural world that will last a lifetime. Through science-based exploration and outdoor play preschoolers and their caregivers will experience the UW Botanic Gardens using their senses.

Class will begin with an opportunity to explore several learning stations based on the week's theme where your child can practice fine motor skills, sensory investigation, creativity, and pre-math and literacy skills. Then the group will gather together to do a name rhyme and topic introduction before heading out on a hike.

Along the way, we will play a game and listen to a story related to the theme. Above all, we will explore and let the natural curiosity of the young ones direct our adventures.

The cost is $18 for 1 adult and 1 child. Additional child: $9/class (children must be attending with the same adult to receive the second child discount). There is a discount for signing up for all 4 August classes.  Register Online or call 206-685-8033.

"Native Splendor in the Garden" Class Tomorrow At Center For Urban Horticulture

 

UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street) is having a free class tonight from 6:30-8:30pm called "Native Splendor in the Garden." 

The information says:

Many of our native plants have very ornamental branch structures, flowers, leaves, and berries, making them ideal for incorporating into an established landscape or using as the foundation for a new garden.  

Native plants are already adapted to our wet winter/dry summer climate and acidic soils, and do not require much fertilizer or supplemental water once established. Adding native plants to your landscape is a great way to increase its year-round beauty without increasing the amount of time and resources you use to maintain it. 

This class will provide you with tips for determining which native plants will fit best into your landscape, which plants will also attract birds and beneficial insects to provide natural pest control in your garden, and planting methods for bare-root or containerized natives.

 

The cost is $20 and Registration is Online, or by phone at 206-685-8033.

Clematis Class Tonight At Center For Urban Horticulture



UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street) is having a free class tonight at 6:30pm called "Clematis Made Easy." 

The information says:

“Clemaniac”, Laura Watson, will demystify the care and pruning of clematis. Using a PowerPoint presentation with great photos, she will explain how to choose a clematis, how to plant it, what the three clematis pruning groups are, which clematis are the easiest to grow, and which do well in small gardens and containers.   

Laura will also recommend good companion plants for clematis, discuss kinds of structures clematis like, and tell us how to coax clematis to grow into trees and shrubs.  Because some of us may want to rush right out and buy a clematis as soon as we leave the lecture, Laura will also provide information about the three specialty mail-order clematis nurseries she purchases from online every year.

 

 

RSVP by calling 206-685-8033, emailing urbhort@uw.edu or going  online.

Beginning Botanical Watercoloring Class Tonight At Center For Urban Horticulture

 

UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street) is starting a series of 7 seven classes tonight from 7-9:30pm called "Botanical Watercolor." 
 
The information says:

Learn the basics of classical botanical watercolor painting, which will include techniques in measurement, drawing, and understanding how light reveals form, along with practice in color mixing.   

The application of controlled washes and dry-brush technique will contribute further, producing an image that is three-dimensional, accurate, and aesthetically appealing--the goal of botanical painting--and equally effective in painting other subjects realistically.

Beginners are welcome, and students with previous instruction can take on new subjects under supervision.  It is highly recommended that you take Botanical Drawing as a prerequisite. A list of supplies will be provided before the first class.

The cost is $260. Register Online or call 206-685-8033

Pruning Class At Center For Urban Horticulture Tomorrow And Thursday

 

 

The Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street) is having a class called "Pruning Shrubs and Trees: The Summer Advantage" on Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm.

 

The Wednesday class is on-site and the Thursday class will be at a residential home for a hands-on pruning demonstration.

The information says: 

Many gardeners are timid or even fearful of pruning in summer. There are good reasons to be cautious. Those same reasons make it an ideal time to solve particular pruning goals. Frustrated by overzealous watersprouts on small trees? Shrubs growing out of bounds? Just not sure what to prune or not?  

Learn how to save work and produce better results by doing the right pruning on the right plants at this time of year through classroom and field demonstrations. We will cover a variety of plant types and training forms that are ideally pruned at this time of year.  

 

The cost is $75.  Register online or call 206-685-8033.

(photo courtesy of CUH site)

 

 

Learn All About Birds' Feathers Tomorrow



Connie Sidles is having a class tomorrow from 10-11:30am about birds' feathers through  UW Botanic Gardens for $25.

Connie Sidles is a local birding expert who maintains a blog documenting the many types of birds, including beautiful pictures, at the nearby Union Bay Natural Area, also known as the Montlake Fill and has written several books on the area.
 
The information says:

The class focuses on birds' feathers: how they evolved, how birds use specialized feathers for different tasks, and how beautiful they are.  

Connie will bring real bird skins from the Burke Museum's collection which you will be able to see up close and personal. She will explain how birds' feathers evolved and how birds have adapted their feathers to serve many different functions besides flight.  

This is a rare chance to learn hands-on about how feathers work. Local birds are molting their feathers right now in preparation for migration south and the coming winter.  Learn how to observe these goings-on in the field to better understand the lives of birds that live right here among us. 

 

Register online or call 206-685-8033.

Bat Class At Seattle Audubon Society Tomorrow Evening

 


     







The Seattle Audubon Society, located in Northeast Seattle, is holding a class tomorrow called "Bats! For Birders" from  7-8:30pm, at the Phinney Neighborhood Center, followed by a Greenlake fieldtrip on Thursday at 9pm.

The information says:

This class, taught by Dan Hannafious, founding board member of Bats Northwest and naturalist for the Pacific Science Center, will provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of bats, our unfeathered friends.   

This evening class will include a fact-filled lecture followed by a night walk at Greenlake to observe and listen to local bats during their nighttime feeding forays.    

The presentation will offer a broad overview to the bat world, and will provide information on our regional bat species.  The class will include discussions on conservation concerns, strategies for bat exclusion from homes, ways to attract bats to the neighborhood, and options for bat houses.   

Dan is a local naturalist and environmental educator who has been providing community Bat Chats and Bat Walks for over 15 years.

 

The cost is $35 for members and $45 for non-members.  Go here for more information and to register..

Photo by Ken Hurley

Learn How To Plant An Herb Garden Tonight At Northeast Library

 

           
As part of Seattle Public Library's "Edible Garden Series" which started last month, the Northeast Branch (6801 35^th Avenue NE) is having a free class called "Culinary Herb Gardening" tomorrow from 6-7:30pm.

The information says:

Get tips on how to plan your herb garden and how to select the best varieties for your site. Presented in partnership with Seattle Tilth.

We will go over tips for planning your herb garden, including how to select the best varieties for your site. 

Whether you are interested in growing basil for pesto, cilantro for salsas or mint for summer iced tea, this workshop from Seattle Tilth will teach you how to grow fresh kitchen herbs all season long!

For more information go here.

Gardening Class Tonight At Center For Urban Horticulture



Center for Urban Horticulture *3501 NE 41st Street) is having the final class in a series called "Practical and Creative Landscape Design" tonight from 6-7:30pm.

The information says:

Kim Rooney, award-winning landscape architect, teaches this fun, interactive studio class – perfect for the do-it-yourself gardener. Whether you are looking to create a beautiful garden, or need to improve curb appeal with new front walk, create a cozy outdoor patio, or add a water feature to your outdoor this class will help you design your own landscape! Bring in a real home garden project.  

With Kim’s guidance and instruction you will create garden “rooms” that you can build and enjoy. There will be pin up sessions and class reviews of your project. You will be asked to present your project drawings to your classmates for the final pin up. The end result will be your own plan to plant this spring! Please bring pictures of your project site to the first class.

 

For more information go here.

Local Neighborhood Birdist, Connie Sidles, Teaching Avian Class Saturday At Center For Urban Horticulture

Two Killdeers displaying.      Connie Sidles, author of Fill of Joy and local birding authority, is having a lecture and slide show called "Avian Love" on Saturday from 10-11:30am to learn all about bird mating - when and how they court, partner, and breed.   The cost for the class is $25 and will be held at the Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street). Register Online or call 206-685-8033.   The information says: Friends of Yesler Swamp and UW Botanic Gardens invite you to learn about how the birds of Yesler Swamp court, partner, breed, and raise their young. This is a fun class taught by master birder Connie Sidles -- for all ages.   In this class Connie will illustrate the various specializations that birds use to attract a mate, build a nest, and take care of their babies to give them the best possible start in life.   You will come away understanding the challenges that birds face to perpetuate their species and the delightful solutions they have come up with to meet those challenges.

Free Vegetable Gardening Class Saturday At Center For Urban Horticulture



The Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 41st Avenue NE) is having a free class called Intensive Vegetable Gardening on Saturday from 10-11am.

The information says:

 

Vegetable gardening may be a good fit with your healthy lifestyle. It provides moderate exercise and delicious, wholesome vegetables. In this class you will learn intensive gardening techniques to help you maximize your harvests, while minimizing your garden’s size and the time it requires in your busy schedule.     RSVP online or call 206.685.8033.

 

Free Class Saturday on Beautifying A Parking Strip At Center For Urban Horticulture

 



UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street)  is offering a free class called" Beautify That Boulevard! Inexpensive Steps to a Striking Strip: on Saturday from 10-11am.

The information says:

 

Ever wonder what to do with that strip of weedy grass between the sidewalk and the street in front of your house? You'd like to have it look nice but there are issues about time, money and - worst yet - maintenance? Let Master Gardener Mary Machala show you how to easily and inexpensively transform your boulevard into something eye-catching and unique. Along the way we'll talk about how to build up soil, composting, and plant ideas. RSVP online or call 206.685.8033.

 

"Plant Pressing" Class Saturday At Center For Urban Horticulture



The Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 41st Avenue NE ) is having a class on Plant Pressing Saturday from 1-3pm. The cost is $60.

The information says:

Explore the  world of pressed plants and flowers in this 2 hour class. Take a tour of the Hyde Herbarium with Herbarium Manager Eve Rickenbaker and learn about how and why plants are preserved. She will show you the basics of selecting plants for pressing, the pressing and drying process, and finally how to mount a herbarium specimen. You will also be able to choose and mount a specimen of your own, complete with an official herbarium label. Pressed plants make wonderful cards, so you will also have the chance to create elegant cards to give away or keep! (Retail value of materials taken home: $100)

Register Online or call 206-685-8033

 

 

Plant "Division" Class Offered At Center For Urban Horticulture On Saturday

UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street) is holding a class called "Simple Division" wiith instructor Carrie Becker on Saturday from 10:30-3pm. The cost is $60.

	The information says:

 

Division is the easiest way to create more plants for your garden. Join instructor Carrie Becker to learn the whos, hows, and whys of propagation by division. This is a chance to expand not just your knowledge, but also your plant collection! The instructor will bring a variety of perennial plants to demonstrate the different processes for division, and you will go home with your own divisions of plants used in class. There will be a half-hour break for lunch.   (photo courtesy of Green Living Made Easy)

Free "Orchard Mason Bees" Class Saturday At Center For Urban Horticulture

UW Botanic Gardens’ Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41^st Street) is holding a free class called "Orchard Mason Bees" on Saturday from 10-11am.

The information says:

Are you interested in learning how to improve the pollination of plants and trees in your yard? Or perhaps you are curious how you could support the environment by hosting non-stinging native bees without any fruit trees in your garden?

Come join us as Missy Anderson (alias Queen Bee), from King County Master Gardeners, offers an engaging presentation on Orchard Mason Bees. Learn about the wonderful nature of mason bees, the value they bring to our world, and how easy it is to host them in a nesting box in your back yard. Becoming a successful bee farmer is easy and fun.

There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. RSVP Online or call 206-685-8033,

Sign Up Now For "Lifelong Recreation" Exercise Classes For Over 50

Cheryl, Recreation Specialist with Seattle Parks' Lifelong Recreation, would like to remind readers 50 and over about the ongoing classes at the Laurelhurst Community Center:

Early Bird Aerobics: Monday and Wednesday 7:35 – 8:35 am

Gentle Yoga: Monday 8:45 – 9:45 am

Aerobics: Thursday 8:45 – 9:45 am

Gentle Yoga: Thursday 5 – 6 pm

Stretch and Strength: Friday 7:45 – 8:45 am

For more details on these classes and more, check out the Lifelong Recreation Winter Brochure online or call Cheryl at 386-9106.  

Sign Up For Ikebana Class Starting Tuesdays At The Community Center

A series of Ikebana classes are starting on Tuesday at the Laurelhurst Community Center.

The information says:

Learn the basics of space, balance, and color in this fun Japanese floral design class. You will be able to take nearly anything from your garden and make it into a beautiful and elegant arrangement after this class.

The class meets 10-noon on Tuesdays, February 4- 25. The cost is $75 and $10 for materials. 

For more information, call Cheryl with Seattle Parks Lifelong Fitness and Recreation at 386-9106.  

 

"Saving Seeds In The Miller Seed Vault" Class Tomorrow Night At Center For Urban Horticulture

The Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street) is having a class called Saving Seeds in the Miller Seed Vault tomorrow night from 7-8pm.

The information:

Seed vaults have captured worldwide attention in recent years with the construction of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. What many don’t know is that Washington has its own seed vault right here in Seattle.

Wendy Gibble, Manager of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens’ Rare Plant Care and Conservation Program, will introduce you to the seed banking program in the Miller Seed Vault and efforts to preserve rare native plants of Washington State. The lecture will be followed by a tour of the seed vault.

The cost is $15 .  Register Online or call 206-685-8033.