Swamp Rose is a worker-owned landscaping cooperative based in the Washington DC area, founded in 2021 by four friends connected through community organizing. United by their passion for native plants, ecology, and a shared disillusionment with exploitative, white-collar work, the founders launched Swamp Rose to create a landscaping company grounded in ecological principles, fair labor, and democratic ownership.
From the start, Swamp Rose sought to challenge industry norms. Traditional landscaping companies often rely on low-paid immigrant labor and environmentally harmful practices. In contrast, Swamp Rose pays living wages, centers workers’ voice in decision-making, and prioritizes sustainability—avoiding invasive species, minimizing chemical use, and practicing regenerative design.
Challenges
As they transitioned from vision to operations in 2022, Swamp Rose founders faced challenges common to new co-ops: legal complexity, operational uncertainty, and a need for startup capital. That’s when they connected with Beloved Community Incubator (BCI).
Partnering to Propel Growth
In 2023, Swamp Rose re-engaged with BCI, seeking guidance on cooperative governance, conflict resolution, and financing. With BCI’s support, they secured a transformative loan from Seed Commons to purchase two work trucks and specialized tools—investments that elevated their professionalism and service capacity. The trucks also served as powerful marketing tools, increasing visibility and client trust.
Swamp Rose received several supportive services from BCI:
- Conflict resolution facilitation, which strengthened the team during a critical moment
- Legal and administrative support, saving thousands in fees
- Ongoing coaching from a co-op developer to maintain operational discipline and strategic clarity
Running a small business is hard—running a cooperative is harder. But BCI gave us the platform and confidence to keep going and stay true to our values.
Impact and Vision
Now entering their third year, Swamp Rose is thriving. Their team has grown, their client base includes residential and commercial projects, and they’ve completed high-impact work—from ecological yard transformations to building complex retaining walls and patios.
Beyond their business success, Swamp Rose is helping reshape what’s possible in the landscaping industry. They are proving that it’s possible to run a highly professional, values-aligned, and worker-owned company that respects both people and the planet.
We’re demonstrating a different way of doing business—quietly radical, rooted in care, and absolutely competitive. BCI has been critical to making that vision real.