mess of (something)
A large, unorganized amount or collection of something. My desk is a mess of paperwork, business cards, and office supplies. There's a whole mess of produce at the farmer's market, but it's not always easy to find what you want.
(whole) mess of someone or something
Rur. a lot of someone or something. We went out on the lake and caught a whole mess of bluegill. I cooked up a mess of chili and had all my friends over to eat it.