March 17, 2025

Landscape Garden Centers founder Philip Helland has died at age 83.

Helland’s journey in  landscaping began at Lakeland Nurseries in Watertown, where he cultivated his deep love for plants and design. In 1977, he brought that passion to Sioux Falls, opening Lakeland Nurseries, which became Landscape Garden Centers in 1989.

Though he passed the business to his son Erik and longtime partner Paul Dejong in 2002, Helland remained an integral part of the team as he shared his wisdom and love for nature, according to a statement from the business.

“My dad was always giving back to Mother Earth,” said Erik Helland, who serves as president of Landscape Garden Centers. “He poured his heart into Sioux Falls, the city he loved and helped grow. He gave to his family and employees, not just through his hard work but by teaching us to respect and understand nature. Giving wasn’t just something he did — it was who he was.”

According to his obituary, one of Helland’s greatest professional achievements was being a partner in the development of Prairie Green Golf Course and the Prairie Tree, Prairie Green and Garden Village neighborhoods in Sioux Falls.

His dedication to landscape design earned him numerous accolades, and his contributions to projects like the Arbor Plaza along the Sioux Falls bike trails, the Stallions Memorial Statue in Pierre and the Strawbale House at McCrory Gardens in Brookings “stand as testaments to his artistry and generosity,” the company said.

“Phil was more than a leader in the industry and in Sioux Falls — he was a mentor who truly cared,” senior landscape designer Todd Bethke said. “He didn’t just teach me to be a better designer; he taught me about character, integrity and the kind of person I wanted to become.”

Helland also served on a number of community boards, including the Children’s Home Society, Children’s Home Foundation, Washington Pavilion, South Dakota Symphony, YMCA Camp Leif Ericson, Community Playhouse, and Good Samaritan Society — Luther Manor.

For a full obituary and details on arrangements, click here.