Phil’s journey in landscaping began at Lakeland Nurseries in Watertown, S.D. In 1977, he brought that passion to Sioux Falls, opening Lakeland Nurseries, which later became Landscape Garden Centers in 1989. Though he passed the business to his son Erik and a longtime partner Paul Dejong in 2002, Phil remained an integral part of the team, always sharing his wisdom and love for nature.

“My dad was always giving back to Mother Earth,” said Erik Helland, son and 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.”

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.

Phil’s legacy will continue to grow, not just in the trees he planted or the landscapes he designed, but in the countless lives he touched along the way. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering dedication to making the world a greener, more beautiful place will be missed.