As the growing season takes root, Mike Theis and his team at The Plantsmyth are busy nurturing stock that’s well-suited for western South Dakota/Nebraska and the surrounding Black Hills. Whether you’re in the market for trees and shrubs or garden flowers and backyard vegetables, rest assured: Deep knowledge is always in season at the family-owned and operated nursery, garden center and greenhouse operation—one driven by equal parts passion and purpose.
“We pride ourselves on working with each individual customer to understand their needs and provide the right plants for their landscape and their lifestyle,” says Theis. Nursery experts, some of whom have been with him from the start, are keen on answering questions and providing natural gardening solutions.
“We avoid chemicals and use organic material as much as possible,” says Theis, of an approach spanning plant stock and soil amendments to insect control.
Timing is everything
Across western South Dakota and Nebraska, weather poses the biggest challenge for gardeners. “We plan for our last hard frost on May 15, but we can get caught off guard — especially in higher elevations,” says Theis, who is no stranger to snow in June and frost year ‘round in the hills.
Year after year, he stocks a wide variety of trees from classic to contemporary. Spruce, including the Black Hills and Colorado rank among local favorites, as do deciduous like the fast-growing aspen and maple trees. Less traditional choices include the often-overlooked cork, gingko and catalpa trees as well as different strains of the classics—all hardy for the surrounding region (USDA Zone 4).
Perennial choices
Understanding a client’s goal is key. Whether looking to attract pollinators, invest in native species, or focus on grasses, The Plantsmyth is rife with options. They also do a big business in roses — boasting 15 different varieties — from traditional, fragrant bushes to climbing vines. “Roses are frost-tolerant, hardy species that are relatively easy to grow and do well in our region,” says Theis.
For backyard gardening enthusiasts looking for a taste of the past, The Plantsmyth offers heirloom fruit and vegetable starts. “For folks avoiding anything that's been genetically altered, we carry many different options, chief among them tomatoes,” says Theis of annual favorites prized for unique shapes and hues; top-notch flavor; and deep connection to history.
Teamwork for the win
Folks at The Plantsmyth love helping customers as much as they love plants.
“Our employees are integral to the business and part of our family here at work,” says Theis, who purchased the business (with roots stretching back to 1978) in August 2020. His college-aged son Matthew who is currently studying horticulture along with his daughter and parents can also be found at the store helping out on occasion.
Boasting better quality stock than big-box stores and a wider variety than many local nurseries, The Plantsmyth does it all for a single purpose:
“We look at our customers as guests, and we want our guests to be happy when they walk away,” says Theis. “Our goal is to build lasting relationships with customers and bring them into the extended family and earn their loyalty as their go-to nursery and garden center.”
Plantsmyth is a family-owned and -operated nursery, garden center and greenhouse operation serving Rapid City, the Black Hills and the surrounding area. Visit them at 2613 E. Hwy 44, Rapid City, to see their extensive selection of nursery stock, greenhouse plants and garden and landscape supplies. Learn more at theplantsmyth.com.
