--- title: "Blooming Desert — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blooming-desert-pfvwus-pf~665225052 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~665225052.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Blooming Desert" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c0a352a50946a54b_0922-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Bend, Oregon 97701, United States" phone: "(541) 977-5499" website: https://bloomingdesertdesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 43 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 35 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # Blooming Desert Original Houzz profile: [Blooming Desert](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blooming-desert-pfvwus-pf~665225052) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Bend, OR - **Serves:** Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Sunriver, Terrebonne, Tumalo, Black Butte Ranch, Powell Butte - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (43 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2018–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - 25 years in business Drew and Shannon Lester are a husband and wife landscape design team that have over 40 years combined experience in Central Oregon. Together, they promote sustainability and gardening for success, so homeowners can enjoy all the other activities Central Oregon has to offer. Drew and Shannon focus their efforts on landscape, irrigation and low voltage lighting design, backflow assembly testing, and project management. Drew graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington where he studied economics and public policy. After graduating, he decided to move out west to become a mountaineer guide and get more in touch with the natural environment. Shortly after, Drew started working in the landscape industry and furthered his education at Central Oregon Community College in the green industry. Shannon is a landscape designer who holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Washington State University in Pullman. After a sojourn in Italy where she experienced landscape and design, Shannon returned to the Pacific Northwest to focus on custom residential and commercial landscape design, land use and city planning projects. From 2012 to 2017, Drew and Shannon created a start-up manufacturing mid-century, modern-inspired planters. Steel Life planters have been recognized by many nationally accredited industry professionals and magazines including Martha Stewart, Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens, 1859 Oregon, and Dwell magazine. Drew and Shannon have also designed product for The Standard Hotel NYC and Miami and shared product design experience on an OPB design panel at the 2015's Bend Design Con. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Project Management - Edible Gardens - Backflow Assembly Testing - D.I.Y. landscape consultations - Hourly design consultations - Sport Courts ### Areas Served - Bend - Redmond - Prineville - Sisters - Sunriver - Terrebonne - Tumalo - Black Butte Ranch - Powell Butte ### Typical Job Cost $1,800 - 8,000 $1,800 - 8,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Blooming Desert | | Address | Bend, Oregon 97701, United States | | Phone | (541) 977-5499 | | Website | https://bloomingdesertdesign.com | | License Number | LCB \#9613 | | Followers on Houzz | 35 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Blooming-Desert-Design-Build-127452755625/ - X (Twitter) — https://www.instagram.com/blooming\_desert\_design/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-lester-b0b7a812/ - Blog — www.bloomingdesertdesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Blooming Desert](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blooming-desert-pfvwus-pf~665225052) - **Website:** https://bloomingdesertdesign.com - **Phone:** (541) 977-5499 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2018–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 43 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Tony Orcutt, Aug. 2026** > Shannon did an amazing job helping us transform our new build backyard into a functional and beautiful space. We had a rough sense of what we wanted, but Shannon knew how to actually implement our plans and all of the little details we overlooked. > > Shannon did a great job picking out plants that would complement our space and give us additional privacy. She helped us with the HOA and got us multiple bids from contractors that she trusted on the project. Overall, Shannon was 100% worth the price and I’m recommending her to our friends who are also looking at landscaping projects! **★★★★★ — Richard Frawley, Aug. 2026** > We hired Shannon to design and manage the implementation of our front and back yard. We first installed a new backyard patio with pavers. Shannon then designed the front and backyard landscaping for us as well as helping to select the landscaper for the installation. Additionally we had her manage the landscaping installation. Throughout the whole process Shannon was on top of all aspects of the project. Her approach to listening to our desires and incorporating them into the project was flawless. Her communication skills with us and the landscape contractor made the whole project seem effortless. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. We have had several people stop by and compliment us on our new yard. We highly recommend Shannon!! **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you! It was a pleasure working with you both and I look forward to seeing the yard next spring! **★★★★★ — Gary & Karen Ruppert, June 2026** > Working with Shannon was a wonderful experience. She listened very carefully to what we were wanting in our yard design and then gave us great suggestions on how to achieve that. Throughout the whole process she was very attentive and proactive about making sure it was to our liking. Her follow through with the project oversight of the landscaper who did the actual installation was very hands on and again, always checking in with us to make sure it was what we wanted. > > We recommend working with Blooming Desert for any landscape design needs. If we do anything further we will not hesitate to call them. **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you for your lovely review! It was a pleasure working with you both. **★★★★★ — Jim K, Jan. 2026** > Shannon was thorough throughout the process on our new home landscape design, providing professional service along with creativity to assist us in our vision. She provided great recommendations on landscapers for the installation process and worked closely with our existing contractors for a clean integration of the plan. Her work with the city to comply with fire resistant trees and planting locations, as well as ROW area use, were crucial aspects to the overall project. We would highly recommend using Shannon to anyone needing a creative landscape design and assistance with project management. Thank-you Shannon! **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Jim! You have a lovely property and I look forward to seeing it bloom. > > Best, > Shannon **★★★★★ — taliacarboy, Dec. 2025** > Shannon took the general ideas we had and came back with a creative, beautiful and executable design that we could complete in stages, as we wanted to do the work on our own. She was very easy to work with, professional, and available for all of our questions. We were so impressed with her and would recommend her to anyone looking for a landscape designer. **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Talia! I look forward to seeing the transformation. Happy New Year! > > Best, > Shannon **★★★★★ — E. Wolff, Dec. 2025** > Shannon is a very talented landscape designer. She was very professional and personable. . My husband and I weren’t sure exactly what we wanted and she came up with very creative ideas and designs. > I would highly recommend Blooming Desert. **★★★★★ — Bill, Dec. 2025** > Shannon designed a landscape plan for our front yard and managed its implementation. My wife and I could not have been happier with her work. Shannon was friendly, cooperative, and completed the work on time. She was very open to design changes as she developed the plan and worked closely with us on the changes. I highly recommend Shannon and would use her again without hesitation for landscape planning. **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Bill! I look forward to making the final touches in the spring. Best, Shannon **★★★★★ — Angela kendrick, April 2025** > Shannon at Blooming Desert created a thoughtful backyard plan for our house in Bend. It’s an odd shaped lot, and the yard itself was in terrible condition. She listened to my concerns , budget available, and drafted a plan emphasizing native plants. She also helped select the stones for the new flagstone patio , the pavers to edge the newly enlarged aggregate patio, as well as the plants themselves. She recommended a landscaper to do all the installation as well. She communicates readily by both email and text. The project is almost completed ( waited on spring to plant). It’s been a real pleasure working with her. I’m happy for you to reach out for more project details,if you wish. **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Angela! I look forward to seeing your backyard blossom! **★★★★★ — Eric Berlin, Jan. 2025** > We worked with Shannon to design all of the landscaping for our property. Shannon was very easy to work with, collaborative, and communicative throughout the process. We loved her design for our backyard and we were blown away by her attention to detail and her passion for landscape design. We highly recommend Blooming Desert for your landscaping design needs! **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Eric! It was a pleasure working with you both. I look forward to seeing the transformation! **★★★★★ — Sally and Rob Fallow, Sept. 2024** > Shannon is exceptional. From start to finish, we felt we were in the best hands. She has fantastic ideas on landscaping and creating a gorgeous outdoor space. From design to install, she was meticulous and detail oriented. She helped us with our vacation home and it was so nice knowing we had someone nearby who was on top of everything. I would highly recommend Blooming Desert!! **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you for your wonderful review! It's been a pleasure working with you both! **★★★★★ — Jenn Masse, Feb. 2024** > Shannon was great to work with! Recommended by a friend, we hired Shannon to translate our vision into a beautiful and functional design that will meet our needs and lifestyle. The design she came up with will absolutely do that! Shannon also helped make connections to local landscapers that she trusts, and navigate some of those conversations, which we appreciated as well! I would recommend partnering with Shannon if you're looking for someone to design your space! **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Jenn! It's been fun working together and I can't wait to see the finished product! Best, Shannon **★★★★★ — hberkman, July 2023** > It was a pleasure to work with Shannon Lester to design the landscape plan for our property in Bend, Oregon! The project presented a few challenges around sourcing product and materials that were deer and heat resistant due to the nature of the climate in Central Oregon. Shannon navigated this on our behalf as well as offered excellent project management of the landscaping team throughout the entire project. Shannon brings knowledge, experience and a positive, cheerful attitude to each meeting making the process enjoyable. **Comment from Blooming Desert:** > Thank you, Heidi! It was a joy working together and I appreciate the referrals you have given. ## Selected projects - [Modern N.W. Bend](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-n-w-bend-pj-vj~6697352) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This modern space offers maximum outdoor living for the homeowners with minimum maintenance with the use of 2' x 2' paver slabs, Mexican Beach Pebble and River Rock Mulch, drought tolerant plant material, drip irrigation and synthetic lawn. Landscape Design, Paver Installation and Project Management: Blooming Desert Design + Build Landscape and Synlawn Installation: Alpine View Landscaping & Maintenance Fence Installation: Bend Fencing Concrete Retaining Wall: Mortimore Construction - [Corner Lot - Southeast Bend, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corner-lot-southeast-bend-oregon-pj-vj~5550552) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 15 - Description: We brought color, texture and seasonal interest into this large, corner lot landscape. We worked with deer resistant and drought tolerant plant material to create a sustainable garden for our clients. Blooming Desert Design + Build designed the landscape for this project, layed out plant material and was project manager for all phases. - [Santa Fe Xeriscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-fe-xeriscape-pj-vj~7537831) - Location: Powell Butte, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: A Santa Fe flare in Central Oregon bringing in drought-tolerant plant material with bold and bright colors to attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds throughout the season. - [Historic Downtown Bend](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-downtown-bend-pj-vj~6016845) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 5 - [Santa Fe Style - Redmond, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-fe-style-redmond-oregon-pj-vj~5546659) - Location: Redmond, OR - Photos: 6 - Description: This small backyard has a bold, southwestern flare. The paver lined, crushed granite walkway kept the project cost down for the client (as opposed to a full paver walkway) and also provided an easy flow throughout the garden. Blooming Desert Design + Build designed the landscape for this project and installed the paver lined, crushed granite walkway. - [Private Botanical Garden - Old Farm District, Bend, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-botanical-garden-old-farm-district-bend-oregon-pj-vj~5550557) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 7 - Description: Bringing in some Coastal California influences, my clients were hands on and knew what they were looking for. Their backyard turned into a private botanical garden filled with natives, seasonal non-natives and a few unique specimen plants. "We have had the great pleasure of contracting Drew and Shannon Lester (Blooming Desert Design + Build) for the ground up custom design and installation of our outdoor landscape including multiple paver patios and walkway. When it comes to quality patio paver… - [Xeriscape Backyard - Redmond, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/xeriscape-backyard-redmond-oregon-pj-vj~6063990) - Location: Redmond, OR - Photos: 2 - Description: This xeriscaped backyard was just what the client wanted; low maintenance, cost conscious, conserved water and functional for entertaining. - [Awbrey Butte - Desert Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/awbrey-butte-desert-style-pj-vj~7537836) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: Desert Flare in the heart of Bend with the use of drought-tolerant plants and a variety of mulching materials. - [Sisters Quilt Show Garden Tour](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sisters-quilt-show-garden-tour-pj-vj~5802387) - Location: Sisters, OR - Photos: 12 - Description: We brought in color to this wildlife preserve for the 2019 Sisters Quilt Show Garden Tour. - [High Desert Tuscan - Bend, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-desert-tuscan-bend-oregon-pj-vj~2555249) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 6 - [Awbrey Butte - Bend, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/awbrey-butte-bend-oregon-pj-vj~5581933) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 16 - Description: Blooming Desert Design + Build provided installation services for this project. Project Designed by Heart Springs Design. - [High Desert Tuscan, Terrebonne, Oregon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-desert-tuscan-terrebonne-oregon-pj-vj~111266) - Location: Terrebonne, OR - Photos: 4 - Description: Blooming Desert Design + Build provided installation services for this project. Project Designed by Heart Springs Design. - [High Desert Plant Details](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-desert-plant-details-pj-vj~7345344) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Paver & Flagstone Installation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/paver-and-flagstone-installation-pj-vj~2124759) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 21 - Description: With over 20 years of experience laying pavers and flagstone in Central Oregon, we have the knowledge of what works best in our unique climate. We specialize in paver patios, walkways and driveways. We require a design by us or another designer before putting together an installation proposal. Serving Bend, Sunriver, Redmond, Prineville, Powell Butte, Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, and everywhere in between. - [Low Voltage Lighting Design & Installation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/low-voltage-lighting-design-and-installation-pj-vj~6016830) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 8 - [One-on-one Landscape Coaching for Do-It-Yourself Homeowners](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/one-on-one-landscape-coaching-for-do-it-yourself-homeowners-pj-vj~6016825) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 2 - [Product Design - Sunriver Resort Amphitheater Benches](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/product-design-sunriver-resort-amphitheater-benches-pj-vj~5985075) - Location: Sunriver, OR - Photos: 2 - Description: Custom design - powder coated, removable aluminum and steel benches for the Sunriver Resort Amphitheater. - [Product Design - Garden Pots](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/product-design-garden-pots-pj-vj~5995436) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 16 - Description: This Mid Century Modern inspired planter was designed by Blooming Desert Design + Build (formally Steel Life, our sister company). Made locally from upcycled metal and created for the Modern and Mid Century Modern design lover. These items have been discontinued for mass production. - [Exterior Styling - Palm Springs, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-styling-palm-springs-ca-pj-vj~5570309) - Location: Palm Springs, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Blooming Desert styled the courtyard at the Avalon Hotel during Palm Springs Modernism Week for the end of tour, Garden Party. We sponsored this event and had the opportunity to feature our planter collection line, Steel Life. - [D.I.Y. Workshops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/d-i-y-workshops-pj-vj~5550632) - Location: Bend, OR - Photos: 9 - Description: Seasonal wreath making classes and other D.I.Y. workshops are offered from principal landscape designer, Shannon Lester. Inquire with Shannon about a workshop at shannon@bloomingdesertdesign.com Shannon focuses her teaching on design trends, plant selection, succulents, xeriscaping, living centerpieces, wreath making and other green D.I.Y. creations. "Shannon is so talented and a joy to work with. I hired her to come out to Pronghorn Resort to teach her wreath making workshop this past Fall to o… [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/blooming-desert-pfvwus-pf~665225052) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87684045/list/wish-list) — 12 ideas - [Desert Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87875286/list/desert-style) — 11 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122258204/list/outdoor-kitchens) — 10 ideas - [Patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88269176/list/patios) — 6 ideas - [Vegetable Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143966238/list/vegetable-gardens) — 1 idea - [Mediterranean Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87759108/list/mediterranean-style) — 10 ideas - [Walk-in Closets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131052174/list/walk-in-closets) — 1 idea - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127458445/list/kitchens) — 13 ideas - [Modern Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90959257/list/modern-garden) — 5 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120338417/list/kitchen) — 9 ideas - [Southwestern Garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92203051/list/southwestern-garden) — 15 ideas - [Fire Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88206777/list/fire-features) — 7 ideas - [Water Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90909976/list/water-features) — 20 ideas - [Modern Furniture & Accessories](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87875583/list/modern-furniture-accessories) — 3 ideas [See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bloomingdesertbend) ## Community Q&A **Q: What Irrigation system is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* What Irrigation system is being used in the photo? I am interested in purchasing a system myself and I love the design. Thanks! A: Joe, It may be best if you stopped by an irrigation store in your area and discuss it with them first to see what your options are locally. We could design a system for you if you sent us a plot plan and images of your landscape. Our minimum design fee is $500 and depending on your lot size, it may be more. Feel free to email me directly at shannon@bloomingdesertdesign.com. Best, Shannon **Q: Can you give me an idea of the actual lenght of the wall Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Lovely! **Q: This is the ground cover I've been looking for! What is it called?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*