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.”…