From Wigs to Weeding: My Unlikely Journey to Backyard Kitchen Gardening
Before I ever harvested a single tomato or coached a new gardener through their first planting season, I spent my days making wigs.
Yep, wigs. 😊 I was a wigmaker and hairstylist for film and theater, working with my hands, crafting something beautiful out of nothing. I loved the creativity and the transformation.
But when a career-ending injury brought that chapter to an unexpected close, I found myself staring down a blank page. What next?
Turns out, that “next” was a packet of seeds and a patch of soil.
I started gardening as a form of therapy. At first, it was just me, some compost, and a lot of trial and error. I took every class I could find. I messed up. I learned. I composted more. And somewhere between the mulch and the mess, I fell completely in love with growing food, and helping others do the same.
That’s how Auntie M’s Garden came to life.
Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of Denver gardeners turn their own backyards into beautiful, edible spaces. We’ve weathered hailstorms, late frosts, and too many squash bugs to count. But we’ve also shared first harvests, garden wins, and the quiet, grounding joy of digging your hands into soil.
Now Auntie M’s Garden is turning 5 (!!) and I want to celebrate with the people who’ve grown this community: you.
5 Years of Growing = 5 Days of Garden Gifts!
To say thank you, I’m giving away 5 garden-themed gifts over 5 days to 5 lucky winners each day.
That’s 25 chances to win, and over $5,000 in prizes!
Here’s what’s in store:
🌱 Day 1: Fall Seed Bundle: Local favorites from High Desert Seed Co.
📓 Day 2: Garden Journal: My go-to tool for planning and reflecting.
🧤 Day 3: Tool Bundle: Including my must-have pruners and hori hori knife.
🌿 Day 4: 1:1 Garden Coaching: A personal session in your own backyard (Denver-area only).
🔨 Day 5: 20% Off Fall Garden Installation: Up to $1,000 off your fall install!
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re in your garden every weekend, there’s something here for everyone.
How to Enter:
It’s easy:
Head to auntiemsgarden.com/giveaway
Enter your name + email by July 31, 2025
Keep an eye on your inbox, we’ll announce winners August 4, 2025!
Bonus Entries: Share the giveaway on your Instagram stories or forward it to a gardening friend! Screenshot and send it to hello@auntiemsgarden.com with the subject line “Giveaway Entry.”
Growing Something Beautiful Together
If there’s one thing these five years have taught me, it’s this: No matter your yard size, experience level, or background, you can grow something beautiful.
I’ve seen it happen over and over again, with raised beds in front yards, herbs in small patios, and food forests where lawn grass once lived. Gardening meets us exactly where we are. It’s messy, miraculous, and worth every step.
Thanks for being a part of this journey. I can’t wait to see where we grow from here.
With a heart full of compost and gratitude,
Elisa (aka Auntie M)
Want to find my favorite Denver kitchen garden tools?
This is just the tip of the trowel! I put together a full, beautifully designed checklist of all my favorite gardening tools—perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to simplify their setup.
It includes soil tools, weeding gadgets, harvest helpers, and even my favorite freezer containers.
Get the free garden tool checklist!
Give Your Garden the Best Start This Year!
Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’re a garden pro, let us support you in your garden this season. We’ve got something for everyone!
🌱 Want to learn exactly what to grow (and when) in Denver?
Check out our Denver Growing Guide for in-depth advice, planting tips, and planning strategies! Let’s start planning your best garden yet.
🌱 Need help designing a garden that works for YOU?
We offer consultations, custom garden and landscape designs, and maintenance packages. Sign up for a consultation today and let’s create a space that nurtures both your plants and your well-being.
Have questions or want to share your gardening success stories?
Drop a comment below, or reach out through our Contact Page!
Check out our free resources or services!
Save this Blog on Pinterest!
**This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small profit if you click on the link to make a purchase. Other links are not sponsored, because I also like supporting small, local businesses.**
Meet the Gardener
I’m Elisa Mack - a mom and Denverite who went from being a green-ish thumb to a kitchen garden fanatic simply by dedicating myself to the study of all things Colorado gardening.
Landscapers don’t design. And nurseries don’t make house calls.
We take a more full-service approach, from designing your dream garden to keeping it beautiful year-round.
And as your coach, I’ll help eliminate the guesswork through every season, no matter your level of knowledge.
