Resources

If you’ve been scrolling through my 2026 catalog or visited the nursery last year, you might have noticed something a bit “wonky” about one of our favorite shrubs. It’s a question I get every single season: “If this is called ‘Java Red,’ why are the flowers so… pink?” It’s a fair question! In the world…

If you’ve spent any time gardening here in the Black Hills, you know it’s a labor of love that requires a certain amount of “grit.” Between our legendary spring snowstorms, the persistent prairie winds, and soil that can range from heavy clay to rocky shale, our plants have to be as tough as the people…

If you’ve lived in this corner of the world for more than a week, you know the old saying: If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. But even for us seasoned South Dakotans, this winter has been—for lack of a better word—wonky. As I sit here in the nursery office, AKA the living…

Whenever I respond to a person requesting an appointment, I mention that I’ll have the gate open and most of the dogs contained. Freyja and Pepper get contained. When we get the greenhouse/shop built, and the second driveway finished, you may get to meet them.

Winter Warriors: Essential Plant Care for Your Black Hills Garden As the crisp air settles in and the first dusting of snow graces the peaks around the Black Hills, the gardening season officially shifts gears. For those of us living in this unique landscape (USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4b to 5a, generally), winter doesn’t mean…

To choose the best flowering shrub for your Black Hills yard, it’s all about matching the plant’s strengths with your gardening goals. Here is a comparison of the shrubs we currently offer, keeping local conditions and common uses in mind. Shrub Comparison for Black Hills Gardens Shrub Bloom Time Main Feature Best For… Why a…