A Slice of Garden Heaven
““If one word could describe Marah’s backyard transformation, it would be Bliss.””
When W+M agent Anna Domenico’s client, Marah and her family moved into their home, they knew their dream backyard would include a garden, open space for yard games, and something special that could evolve over time. “We wanted a garden and open space for yard games, and as the kids grew, the jungle gym idea really excited us,” Marah shares. What started as a simple vision soon blossomed into a lush, functional space the whole family could enjoy together.
Working with the space they had, Marah and her partner, Matt, got to work on their backyard project—despite being beginners in the gardening world. “Matt built one garden bed before this at our last house, and I grew up with some gardening knowledge,” Marah admits. The couple leaned on their creativity and helpful neighbors and friends to build their dream backyard step by step.
The project, which took about three years to complete, was a true labor of love. “We have been working on the yard slowly for three years,” says Marah. “We allocated about $10,000 for the garden, sauna, and jungle gym, with the sauna taking up most of the budget. We probably went a little over budget buying new plants each year, but it’s totally worth it—we get so much enjoyment out of our gardening hobby.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the transformation? The sense of community and the help they received along the way. “Neighbors and friends with different expertises helped with digging post holes, carrying concrete, building the sauna, and putting the roof on the jungle gym,” Marah recalls. “We moved in during the pandemic with a newborn, and that year was quite isolating. Having people help and spend time with us in our yard was especially enjoyable when that was safe for everyone.”
As for Marah’s favorite part of the project? It’s simple. “We love being in the garden as a family. It’s a dream come true to harvest tomatoes and strawberries with the kids and to be outside together.”
The materials used in the backyard are just as thoughtful as the project itself. The table and benches are from West Elm, the “mud kitchen” in the jungle gym was made with materials from ReStore, and most of the wood came from Front Range Lumber.
Marah’s advice for anyone starting a similar project? “Invest in water-wise plants and look into plants that grow well in Denver. The Denver Botanic Gardens is a great place to find inspiration. And lean on your community. We’ve exchanged skills with our neighbors, and it’s helped us build great relationships.”
What began as a daunting list of tasks evolved into a passion project that has brought the family closer together. “When we first moved in, the projects seemed daunting. Now, gardening feels like a hobby—a labor of love,” Marah reflects. “It’s still a work in progress, but we enjoy it so much, and we’re excited for what’s next.”
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