As I rush to get the last of the fall garden in, I’ve been reading, ironically, Felder Rushing’s new book, Slow Gardening, out of Chelsea Green Publishing, THE go-to sustainable living publishing house.

If Felder Rushing is a new name to you, you’re in for a treat.  In short, he’s a hoot.  But, that doesn’t do him justice, because beneath the homespun banter and penchant for outre lawn ornamentation, he’s actually a thoughtful philosopher on the subject of gardening, and by extension, society.

In his own words:

“Take it easy. Life has lots of pressures–why include them in the garden? Your garden provides natural opportunities to kick back, relax, step off the treadmill. Think “long haul” and take your time.

Cliches can help: No need to go whole hog right off the bat. Don’t have to eat the whole enchilada.”

In the wake of reading his latest book, I’ve been indulging in a little personal fantasy about what it would be like to have Mr. Rushing for a next door neighbor, and I must say, he’s giving Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch a run for their money.  Here are a few highlights:

The possibility of a ride in his Truck Garden.

Kisses from Rusty, the brown dog.

The inevitability of free plants from the author of Passalong Plants himself.

Glimpses of Felder in his (self-described) incarnation as “Jesus’ drunk brother” on my way to fetch the morning newspaper.

Root vegetable juggling.

Bottle trees.

Pink flamingos.

In short, no judgmentalism, lots of ‘mater sandwiches.

Felder, if you’re listening, I know just the neighbor I’d like you to replace.

I did not say that.

That would be wrong.

Who do you want in your neighborhood?