Creekside Greenhouse, Art and a Suit open for business – Leader Publications

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Mildred and O’Larry Collins reopened their business, Creekside Greenhouse, for the season Friday and celebrated the reopening and relocation of O’Larry’s men’s fashion show and art Gallery, Art and a Suit to the same property at 324 Pokagon St. (Maxwell Harden | Leader Publications)

Mildred and O’Larry Collins reopened their business, Creekside Greenhouse, for the season Friday and celebrated the reopening and relocation of O’Larry’s men’s fashion show and art Gallery, Art and a Suit to the same property at 324 Pokagon St. (Maxwell Harden | Leader Publications)

Mildred and O’Larry Collins reopened their business, Creekside Greenhouse, for the season Friday and celebrated the reopening and relocation of O’Larry’s men’s fashion show and art Gallery, Art and a Suit to the same property at 324 Pokagon St. (Maxwell Harden | Leader Publications)

Mildred and O’Larry Collins reopened their business, Creekside Greenhouse, for the season Friday and celebrated the reopening and relocation of O’Larry’s men’s fashion show and art Gallery, Art and a Suit to the same property at 324 Pokagon St. (Maxwell Harden | Leader Publications)

DOWAGIAC — Flowers and plants – as well as suits and hats – are now in bloom at 324 Pokagon St.

Dowagiac’s O’Larry and Mildred Collins reopened their business, Creekside Greenhouse, for the season Friday and celebrated the reopening and relocation of O’Larry’s men’s fashion show and art Gallery, Art and a Suit to the same property. Located at 324 Pokagon St., Creekside Greenhouse offers a variety of potted plants, flowers and vegetables. Art and a Suit features pre-owned suits, hats and other men’s items, as well as gallery space to showcase his wood burning and painting artwork.

Collins said both businesses will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

When Collins first opened his store at 135 S. Front St., Dowagiac, in October 2015, he noticed a lack of stores selling men’s fashion. He has since filled that need by offering his collection of suit jackets, shoes and vintage ties. The business relocated to 115 S. Front St. in 2022 before moving to its current location this past winter.

Collins estimates that he and Mildred have been tending to plants at the greenhouse for more than 30 years. When it comes to his gallery, Collins has been practicing various forms of art for more than 40 years. While Collins enjoyed the downtown space for his gallery, he also enjoys being closer to Mildred and the garden.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “We live right across the street and we can walk right over here. People ask you what time you close and you almost say ‘when I want.’ It’s really nice having it right next door to us.”

Collins admitted the move has created a new “problem” he is trying to solve.

“The only problem I have is how to dress accordingly going from the gallery to the greenhouse,” he said. “It makes it a little hard so I’m gonna have to learn how to dress in between.”

With Art and a Suit moving next to Creekside Greenhouse, two of Collins’ passions have rolled into one. For Collins, being able to present his passions to the community for decades has been a blessing.

“It’s actually fulfilling,” he said. “Most people want to do something that’s complete for them and for me this is it, this is nice. The plants are beautiful and the art, I could always get into it. I enjoy it. I’ve been enjoying it all my life.”