Our Roots

Founded in 1907 by Albert Brownell, our original Stark Street location acted as a key center for plant brokers and local growers, facilitating the exchange of plants, knowledge, and resources that helped cultivate Portland’s horticultural landscape. Over the decades, it was shaped by the vision of Avery Steinmetz and J. Frank Schmidt Sr., whose stewardship helped the business survive difficult times. Avery’s deep dedication to horticulture, and his belief that the land should always remain a nursery, established a legacy that continues to inspire us today.

In 1980, our father and grandfather stepped in to carry the legacy forward, determined to revitalize the business. Their commitment helped transform a struggling nursery into a flourishing community landmark. Confident in this new shared vision, Avery and Agnes Steinmetz helped our family secure the land in 1986, giving Portland Nursery a permanent home and ensuring its future for generations.

Steeped in Portland history, our Division location was originally founded in 1926 as Jeibmann Greenhouses. It began as a floral business and over the years became one of the city’s most respected houseplant growers. By 1991, after some challenges, Bob Jeibmann personally sought us out, entrusting us with continuing the nursery’s horticultural mission. Taking on a business that had declined was no small task, but recognizing its potential, we were excited to breathe new life into a beloved Portland business. We reopened as Portland Greenhouse, a nod to Jeibmann’s legacy, but later united both locations under the same name, Portland Nursery, in the mid-1990s.

Today, the nursery is much more than a place of plants—it is a living reflection of everyone who has cared for it, learned from it, and found joy within it. As the next generation of leadership, we are humbled to carry forward the traditions that began more than a century ago. We are deeply grateful for the foundation laid by those before us, and for the ongoing inspiration we find in the people and community that bring the nursery to life each day.