Felder Rushing — horticulturist, garden columnist, acclaimed author and host of Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s Gestalt Gardener program — is climbing into his famous green truck with the garden in the back and heading to Oxford and other corners of Mississippi.

The MPBS show On the Road With Felder Rushing will be brining his road show to Oxford  at the Armory Pavilion on April 23 at 8:30 a.m. as part of his traveling garden party set for April 15 – May 15 at 11 cities across Mississippi.  Five sites will include a live broadcast of The Gestalt Gardener program, which airs Fridays at 9 a.m. on MPB Think Radio, that Rushing hosts.

All events are free and open to the public. The Mississippi Public Broadcasting Foundation is hosting the events, and some MPB staff will be present at certain locations.

While Felder will answer attendees’ specific gardening questions in person, he also plans to delve into other facets of his job. “I will be focusing on encouraging folks to relax (discussing) the psychological and social aspects of gardening outside the lines, including ways to get away with doing your own thing, without regard to what others think,” Rushing said. “I am encouraging folks to bring a well-rooted or potted plant for an informal swap and stuff for me to identify such as weeds, weird flowers, etc.”

Each event will feature Felder’s green garden truck, a plant swap, mystery plants to identify, signed copies of Felder’s new book, Maverick Gardeners: Dr. Dirt and Other Determined Independent Gardeners, for purchase; MPB swag for purchase and swag for new MPB Foundation members or those who upgrade or renew membership.

There should be plenty of space to social distance. Those interested in attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, face masks and, of course, gardening questions.

Review dates, times and locations of On the Road with Felder Rushing below. Asterisks indicate sites of live broadcasts:

• April 23 at 8:30 a.m. – Armory Pavilion in Oxford
• April 24 at 9:30 a.m. – Saucier Park Pavilion in Southaven
• *April 30 at 8:30 a.m. – Farmers Market in Columbus
• May 1 at 9:30 a.m. – Farmers Market in Tupelo
• *May 7 at 8:30 a.m. – Grand Hotel Bluff in Natchez
• May 8 at 9:30 a.m. – The McNutt House in Vicksburg
• *May 14 at 8:30 a.m. – Fireman’s Park Pavilion in Cleveland
• May 15 at 10 a.m. – Hal and Mal’s in Jackson