In this episode, we explore a refreshing new take on permaculture through the lens of Mulberries in the Rain, a deeply personal and story-driven book by Ryan Blosser and Trevor Piersol. Unlike traditional how-to guides, this book weaves together memories, relationships, and life lessons with plants—making permaculture feel alive, heartfelt, and accessible. Through authentic storytelling, Ryan shares how plants became part of his family history, how community shaped his journey, and why true resilience is rooted in connection, not just self-sufficiency.
Whether you’re new to homesteading or have been growing your own food for years, this conversation will inspire you to look at your land—and your life—in a new way. Discover the power of story in shaping your garden, your relationships, and your sense of purpose. It’s a beautiful reminder that growing food isn’t just practical—it’s deeply personal.
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A Book That Reads Like a Conversation
Most permaculture books are practical guides. They’re packed with knowledge, but many readers just flip to the chapters they need. Mulberries in the Rain is different. It’s not just about where to put your fruit trees or how to build a compost pile—it’s about people, family, community, and memory. It’s a book you can sit down with and read straight through, enjoying every story along the way.
Ryan and Trevor don’t just tell you what to grow; they tell you why they grew it, what it meant to them, and how that plant became part of their personal or family journey.
- Blosser, Ryan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 216 Pages – 05/06/2025 (Publication Date) – New Society Publishers (Publisher)
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
From Basketball to Basil: Ryan’s Journey Into Permaculture
Ryan didn’t grow up on a farm. In fact, his childhood was pretty typical suburban life—pizza deliveries and indoor hobbies. But after leaving behind a college basketball scholarship, he and his wife moved to Hawaii. That’s where he discovered his love of nature, surfing, and the outdoors.
It was there, too, that Ryan found the writings of Bill Mollison and David Holmgren—the founders of permaculture. Inspired, he started growing basil and selling at local markets. And when life brought him back home to Virginia, he brought that passion with him.
Starting the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute
Back in Virginia, Ryan co-founded the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute (SPI), which started out as a way to train a new farm employee but grew into something much bigger. Over 20 courses later, SPI has built a strong network of permaculture learners and teachers. Ryan says the real yield of the institute has been friendship—deep, lasting connections formed through shared purpose and learning.
When Farming Gets Real: A Flood and a Pivot
Like many homesteaders, Ryan faced setbacks. A massive flood destroyed his market garden, washed away his certified organic status, and forced him to pivot. That pivot led him to what he now calls “the coolest job on the planet”—managing the Waynesboro Education Farm. There, he works with local schools to teach kids about farming, cooking, and life using hands-on learning. It’s a farm with a mission, and it’s changing lives.
Why They Wrote Mulberries in the Rain
There are already a lot of great permaculture books out there. So why write another?
Ryan says it best: “What was missing for Trevor and me was story.”
They wanted a book that showed not just how to grow food, but how to grow a life. Inspired by books like Paradise Lot, they took a narrative approach—sharing real-life experiences tied to specific plants. Each chapter blends memory, meaning, and permaculture knowledge into one rich, heartfelt read.
A Plant with a Story: The Cha Tree and a Family’s Legacy
One of the most moving stories in the book is about a che tree planted after the birth of Ryan’s son. The tree was fertilized with the placenta, a symbol of life and connection. Now, every year the family gathers around the tree, eats its fruit, and retells the story of that birth.
The original graft of the tree even died during a harsh winter, giving Ryan the chance to teach his son how to field graft and bring the tree back to life—another layer to the story, and another memory rooted in the soil.
More Than Just Gardening: It’s About Relationships
Throughout the book and the interview, Ryan reminds readers that permaculture is about more than land. It’s about relationships—with the land, with each other, and with the stories that shape us. He emphasizes that strong, healthy community connections are a key part of resilience.
Whether it’s sharing an omelet made from ingredients grown by friends or helping neighbors during a flood, Mulberries in the Rain shows that we don’t thrive in isolation—we thrive in community.
A Book for the Whole Community
Ryan didn’t even want the word “permaculture” in the book title. Why? Because he wanted it to reach beyond the usual audience. This book isn’t just for permaculture fans—it’s for anyone who’s ever wanted a deeper connection to their food, their land, and their people.
From childhood memories of mulberries to lessons learned through parenting and farming, Mulberries in the Rain invites readers to reflect on their own stories and how they shape their land-based journey.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read This Book
If you’re looking for a how-to guide, there are plenty out there. But if you’re looking for a book that blends permaculture with story, wisdom, and real-life connection, Mulberries in the Rain is a rare gem.
It’s about more than mulch. It’s about meaning.
Where to Get the Book:
You can pre-order Mulberries in the Rain now through New Society Publishers or on Amazon.
Related Links:
- Shenandoah Permaculture Institute: https://www.shenandoahpermaculture.com
Have a story to share?
What plants hold meaning in your life? Share your own stories in the comments Let’s keep the conversation growing.
