(Photo | Courtesy of Desert Rose Cactus Lounge)
Desert Rose Cactus Lounge opened its doors to the Bend community on May 29. It is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team, Andrea Metzler and Kent Halverson. Metzler also owns Art Terrarium in Des Moines, Iowa, a houseplant shop that she opened in May 2017. Metzler and Halverson relocated to Bend after Andrea’s brother, Nathan Metzler, moved to the town five years ago. They fell in love with the beauty of Central Oregon and decided to open a second plant shop with plants perfect for the high-desert environment.
Desert Rose Cactus Lounge focuses on cacti and succulents, many of which were picked out personally by Andrea, Kent and Nathan on trips to nurseries in Arizona. The variety of unique and rare succulents is something missing from other plant shops in the area, and they hope this niche will draw plant lovers. In addition to cacti and succulents, they also carry a selection of hardy houseplants, focusing on plants that will thrive in the high-desert environment. The store carries modern planters, many of which are made in the USA, and a line of planters made by artists at the neighbor studio, Mud Lake Studios.
“We wanted to create a space that felt lush, bright, warm and welcoming, a space for the community to gather and lounge with us amongst the plants. We were excited to work with Collected Design and Vivi Design Co. to bring our vision to life and create a space filled with the beautiful colors and textures of the southwest,” said owner Andrea Metzler.
Another unique feature of the plant shop is The Potting Bar. This is a space where customers can let their creative juices flow as they create their own terrariums and desert gardens. Customers are also invited to pot their plants at The Potting Bar or bring in their own planters and have staff help them find the perfect plant.
As more in-person events are allowed and gatherings can proceed, the shop plans to utilize their beautiful space for events.
“We’re looking forward to hosting a wide variety of events at the shop, including workshops, classes, date nights and private events, as well as collaborating with our neighbors in the Old Ironworks District on live music and art events,” said Metzler.
Desert Rose Cactus Lounge is located at 50 SE Scott St. It is open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-6pm and on Sunday from 10am-4pm. More information can be found at desertrosebend.com and on Instagram at @desertrosecactuslounge.
