I’m just finishing an amazing book by David Wann called Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle. Mr. Wann is an avid organic gardener, and he sings the praises of growing your own food. I was totally on the program, but then the storms hit and challenged my resolve.

It just so happened, that today I read a chapter called The Currency of Nature. In it, he has a section called Ten Rules of Thumb for Those Seduced by Gardening in which he inspired me to replant.

“If at first you don’t succeed, keep planting. Wipe the slate clean by burying the evidence or hauling it to the compost pile.”

“Gardening is best practiced without shame, doubt, regret, envy, or dread. The only good garden is a no-guilt garden.”

“Harvest the intangibles. This may be the most important rule of all. It’s not just food we’re after, but knowledge, serenity, and a sense of purpose. Remember, what gardens fdo best is help gardeners grow.”

Inspired by this selection, Corey and I set out to replant. We tore out the ruined plants and tossed them in the compost bins. Then we grab the leftover seeds from earlier in the year and started the planting cycle all over again. We even took the opportunity to make some improvements. So in a way, the loss of the garden has some advantages. We got to innovate for an extra crop this year.

This book is an amazing source of knowledge and inspiration on all aspects of a sustainable lifestyle. I recommend that everyone interested in building a better future for yourself and our world read it.