Closed Memorial Day- Monday, May 29th

We will be closed Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.

Ted Lare Design + Build

​Ted Lare is the Des Moines expert in landscape design and installation. With thousands of landscaping projects completed in the past 37 years, our philosophy of doing it right carries with it the Ted Lare promise of the best results, the first time.

Our Story

Our company was founded in 1982 by Ted Lare, with a dream to bring more creative and inviting outdoor spaces to the Des Moines metro area. What started out as a one man operation has steadily grown into a strong dedicated team that can tackle anything outside of your home. Between our Design Build Landscaping team and our friendly and knowledgeable Garden Center Team, we are confident we can improve your life outdoors.

In 2008 we relocated from the South Side of Des Moines, Iowa to the current location in Cumming, Iowa. The current location was formerly the site of The Cumming Apple Orchard, a locally owned business that was famous for their delicious apples and baked goods every fall. When the family that ran the orchard retired and decided to sell the property, Ted saw it as a great opportunity to preserve the land around the orchard, while providing a new location to expand the Landscaping Business. If you look around the property, you will still find many apple trees producing fruit and attracting happy pollinators.

Almost 40 years after Ted started the business, it is still run by the Lare family. Ted is still acting president of the company, involved in all of the big decisions that will impact the future. Ted is proud to have both his wife and his children involved in running the business. Ted’s wife, Jean Lare, has been designing and managing projects since 1995, responsible for thousands of happy clients in Central Iowa. Ted’s daughter, Melissa Peterson, started in 1999 working in the landscape office and then eventually transitioned into Garden Center Manager, her current position. Ted’s son Keegan joined the rest of the family in 2008 after going back to school for Landscape Architecture, and is currently working as a designer and manager of the landscaping side of the business.

The Lare family invites you to come take a tour of our award winning garden center, and our amazing display gardens!

Meet the team

If you are looking to upgrade your landscaping in Central Iowa, our designers can help you with any aspect of your home. Some of our most popular projects are front entry makeovers, backyard patios, fire pits, and complete outdoor living installations. We also do a lot of planting makeovers that can enhance any part of your yard. If you are looking to start a landscape project in the Des Moines area, you can get started here.

We also have an award winning garden center that is the best in Central Iowa. If you love gardening and DIY landscaping projects, the Ted Lare Garden Center is the place for you. If you have not visited us, you will love all the landscape installations we have as examples and the enormous selections of flowers, shrubs, trees, fountains, pottery, and locally sourced garden art. If you love gardening or are looking to get your hands dirty for the first time, you will love our Garden Center and friendly staff.

Come in and see for yourself everything that comes with the Ted Lare experience. Whether you are looking to start a new landscape project in the Des Moines area or just looking to add some colorful flowers to your front porch, we are confident you will find what you need at Ted Lare Design Build.

Landscape Design & Installation

At Ted Lare, we have been creating beautiful landscapes for over 35 years. All our landscape designers have a bachelor degree in landscape architecture and the experience and creativity to bring your outdoor living space to life. 

We will meet with you to create a personal landscaping plan based on your unique space and vision. Plans may include planting, water features and LED lighting, as well as outdoor living elements such as pools, patios, retaining walls, and outdoor kitchens. From designing single landscaping elements to giving your yard a full makeover, we do it all. Our attention to detail is what sets us apart and ensures that we are able to design a yard you will enjoy for years to come.

Once your design is complete, one of our specialized construction crews will bring the design to life. Your designer will oversee the progress throughout the construction process and make any refinements as needed to ensure the job turns out beautifully. Our goal is to make the landscaping process as easy as possible for the homeowner, leaving them with results they are happy with the first time.

Landscape Maintenance

Our maintenance team has been specially trained to keep your yard looking great all spring, summer, and fall. We provide annual flower planting and routine planting bed maintenance. Weekly or monthly stops at your property will help us keep your beds weed free and full of color. We also maintain water features and fountains, making weekly stops to ensure cleanliness and water quality. Let us do the work so you can enjoy your hard-earned free time in your beautiful backyard. With a customized maintenance plan, we can help you keep your outdoor living space looking its best all season long.

Ted Lare Garden Center

Sunday:

12pm-4pm

Monday:

Closed for Memorial Day

Tuesday:

9am-6pm

Wednesday:

9am-5pm

Thursday:

9am-5pm

Friday:

9am-5pm

Saturday:

9am-5pm