By Jessica Ward, October 16, 2023
Discover the Beauty of Native Pacific Northwest Plants at SymbiOP
If you’re a nature lover like me, you’ve probably considered diving into the world of gardening but may not have known where to begin. Or, perhaps you have a pair of green thumbs and are constantly on the lookout for unique and sustainable additions to your garden. In either case, I have an incredible joy to share with you: SymbiOP, also known as Symbiosis Cooperative.
The SymbiOP Experience: I recently embarked on a journey to my local garden shop, SymbiOP, and was absolutely mind-blown. This indoor/outdoor haven caters to all your gardening needs and offers a plethora of unique items. What sets SymbiOP apart is its focus on local and sustainable gardening and landscaping.
Native Plants for Pacific Northwest: SymbiOP isn’t your typical garden shop that’s filled with generic “pretty plants.” Instead, their inventory is brimming with native plants that thrive in the PNW region. These plants are well-acquainted with the local climate and are easy to grow, making them a perfect choice for PNW gardeners.
Expertise at Your Service: One of the standout features of SymbiOP is their experienced and passionate team. Their website proudly states, “Our workers have 10+ years of experience cultivating ecological landscapes and even more years of experience with plant care in general. We come from a multitude of identities and backgrounds.” This expertise shines through in their exceptional customer service. During my visit, I received patient, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable assistance. The staff shared valuable insights about the plants, including their medicinal uses, tinctures, and salves I could make with them, going above and beyond the typical garden shop experience.
Support a Worker Cooperative: SymbiOP isn’t just a garden shop; it’s a worker cooperative and an employee-owned company. Supporting them means supporting local workers and the values of sustainability, community, and expertise.
My adventure to SymbiOP was a delightful experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone checks them out and supports this exceptional local business. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green journey, SymbiOP has something to offer you. Explore their collection of native PNW plants, immerse yourself in their wealth of knowledge, and contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying the beauty of your garden. SymbiOP is where nature and community thrive, one plant at a time.
Garden Shop Hours, Address, Etc.
All Week: 10 am – 6 pm
3454 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR
(503) 893-8427
Instagram @symbiopgardenshop
Jessica Ward
Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA
She/Her
My life is fueled by a profound passion for serving others and making a positive impact on my community.
https://youtu.be/x1kSQm5UdQo?si=Wam5-ZRcj3VTRn_g I’m a Great NW native and— five years into this industry—a broker known for delivering results while making people feel genuinely taken care of. I grew up in Portland and Southwest Washington, and I know this market—its neighborhoods, culture, pricing nuances, and opportunities. That lived understanding informs every recommendation I make. I’m inclusive of all people, price points and committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves. I’m a mother to my daughter, Wynter Katie, and a dog mom to a very cute Yorkshire terrier, which keeps me grounded in real life and real perspective.When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the Gorge, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, dining at local restaurants, hosting social gatherings, perusing an art gallery, flowing through hot yoga, drinking a good hazy IPA at a brewery, listening to an audiobook or podcast, attending a networking event, chaperoning my daughters field trips. boating on the river, or unwinding at local spas and bathhouses.
I stay deeply connected to my community through volunteering and board participation. I’m especially passionate about children’s needs—particularly those involved in the foster care system—climate impact and sustainability, justice and equity for people of color, and mental health advocacy.
My clients consistently rate their experience with me five stars, whether they are buying selling or simply attending one of the first time home buying classes I host for free to educate and empower the community. I’ve been called the “queen of resources and connections,” and I take that seriously. I’m known for navigating down payment assistance programs, grants, ADUs, seller financing, and non-traditional paths to ownership with ease and clarity. Think polished expertise with a side of “I got you.” Access is power. Education is leverage. And I believe everyone deserves both. I’m also a real estate investor who manages my own properties, including an ADU, so my guidance is grounded in lived experience. I understand long-term value, cash flow, development potential, and creative strategy—not just on paper, but in practice. As a black woman in real estate, I lead with excellence and purpose in an industry where representation is still very rare. I’m honored to be the first African American broker in Oregon state history to close a transaction with a Black-owned title and escrow company, but my greatest accomplishment is impact—helping clients secure stability, build wealth, and step confidently into ownership. I run a tight ship—transparent, strategic, and supportive—but don’t get it twisted, we’ll laugh too. I bring luxury-level service without the stiffness. Professional polish with real and genuine personality. To me, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about security, freedom, and community. And when you work with me, you’re not just closing a deal… you’re building something bigger. Follow along: @Jessica_TheHomeGirlWhat Clients Are Saying:
Clients consistently share that working with me feels:
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Supportive and steady, even in high-pressure moments
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Clear and transparent, with no unanswered questions
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Strategic and informed, particularly during negotiations
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Personal, never transactional
First-time buyers say they felt educated and empowered. Sellers value my pricing insight and communication. Investors trust my numbers, perspective, and long-term thinking. Five stars—because the experience is intentional!
Affiliations and Accolades:
- ADU Specialist
- Earth Advantage Certified
- Portland NAACP (Member)
- LRR Diversity Chair Award Winner
- Lents Neighborhood Association (Former President)
- Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
- Asian Real Estate Association of America (Member)
- National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Member)
- Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
- Broker Advisory Group at Living Room Realty (2024-2026)
- T: 971-230-8164
- jessicaw@livingroomre.com
