About Rise & Garden
The Mission
At Rise & Garden, the mission is simple: to help you grow the kitchen garden of your dreams—no matter your experience level. We create personalized garden plans that match your goals, your space, and your lifestyle.
Rooted in nature, we focus on building healthy soil, planting a wide variety of pollinator-friendly plants, and creating a garden that’s not only productive but also full of life and beauty. No harmful chemicals—just sustainable, natural practices that support your health and the planet.
Let’s grow something amazing together.
The Story
My love for gardening started early, wandering through my grandmother’s farm in South Canaan, PA. I still remember the joy of picking wild berries and gathering apples and pears from her orchard—those simple moments sparked a lifelong connection to nature.
Years later, after going through a life-changing experience, I turned to gardening as a way to heal. What began as a refuge quickly became a true passion. When I moved from the Northeast to Middle Tennessee, I poured my heart into building a kitchen garden from the ground up—starting every plant from seed (that's the garden you see above!).
Since then, I’ve spent years deepening my knowledge and skills, including training with Gardenary to become a certified garden consultant. That journey has only strengthened my belief that gardening isn’t about having a special talent—it’s about showing up, being curious, and learning as you grow.
My best advice? Trust yourself. Celebrate the little wins. And don’t be discouraged by setbacks—they’re just part of the process. Every step, even the messy ones, helps you grow into the gardener you’re meant to be.
Kelly Darpino
Certified Gardenary Consultant