By Gwen Davis

It’s a story that speaks volumes to how many West Seattleites were never able to recover from the great recession.

West Seattle’s Vera Johnson, operator of the Village Green Perennial Nursery, has fought long and hard to retain control of her home, land and business near White Center at 10223 26th Ave SW.

However, as of this past week, she has given up the fight.

Johnson gained notoriety when Bank of America began foreclosure proceedings against her in 2011. Press coverage of her dilemma resulted in a new loan which Johnson maintains she faithfully made payments on. Her loan was later sold to Greentree Financial who now states that she has missed payments and has begun foreclosure proceedings against her again.

At first she chose to rejoin the fight, producing a web page, a video story on Vimeo and a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds. But Johnson announced via Facebook last week that she has given up that effort.

Her post reads:

I've been mulling over how to share the recent information about my house.
There's really nothing more I can do.
I'm done fighting it, I want my life back.
My joy.
And I don't want to jeopardize anyone or anything more.
I appreciate everything everyone has done in support of this situation and this fight.
I have sincere and deep gratitude for each and every person on this journey. I've learned so much. So many lessons and teachers along the way.
Thank you all.
I've removed the gofundme. I will gladly refund all donations.
You're welcome to send me a private message with an address and I can send you a check.
your generous donations and years of support have meant so much to me and my family.
I'll have some sort of gathering in May, maybe around my birthday, a "thank you" tea party. Whether you come or not, believe me, I'll hold a place for you in my heart and toast to you, anyway.
It's been a wonderful 13 years here.
I'll continue Saturday hours, with lots of great plants and gifts items still available.
I look forward to a new chapter in my life. I feel as though anything is possible! I welcome the changes with faith that this is for the best. Letting go.
Namaste.

Johnson told the Herald that Forterra the Seattle based land conservation organization may buy the property, but either way she will be out by the end of the summer.

On her GoFundMe page she indicated that a 28 townhouse development is being planned for the site but she did not provide further details.

However, Johnson is still in business, and encourages people to come buy final products. Items will be on sale when she is open from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Johnson originally purchased the land in 2001. The past 13 years proved to be particularly tumultuous for Johnson’s land ownership, with predatory lenders and loss of business due to the recession.

For more on this story, read the Herald’s previous coverage:

http://www.westseattleherald.com/2011/07/21/news/update-2-facing-forecl…

http://www.westseattleherald.com/2012/03/29/news/reluctant-symbol-mortg…

To learn more about Johnson’s business, check out her website:

http://villagegreenperennials.blogspot.com