However, every November, Flowerland Greenhouse becomes a gift shop with one of the area’s largest inventories of Christmas decor.

Now in his 24th year as owner, Kevin Pirlot purchased Flowerland Greenhouse as a way to supplement his retirement from the Iron Mountain Fire Department.

When Pirlot purchased the greenhouse it was simply that — one greenhouse. He would add a permanent building. Pirlot said he also now has a 30-by-90-foot greenhouse in Norway he uses just to store inventory, which allows him to stay open later into the summer.

Pirlot said the thing he enjoys most about owning Flowerland Greenhouse is his customers.

FLOWERLAND GREENHOUSE is at 1511 S. Stephenson Ave. in Iron Mountain. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

“Everybody that comes shopping here wants to be here. It is not like a grocery store or gas station, where you have to get something,” Pirlot said. “It is a fun job, lots of work but fun.”

Pirlot was overjoyed his customers voted Flowerland Greenhouse the best greenhouse in the Iron Mountain Daily News’ Best of the Best and bronze in the gift shop category.

“It is a big thing that so many people voted for us, especially just being a seasonal gift shop,” Pirlot said. “We have an awesome following.”

Pirlot said this year got off to a little slower start, which he attributes to how late Thanksgiving was, but customers have more than made up for the lag since then.

Although Flowerland Greenhouse is not open to the public the entire year, the work does not stop when the greenhouse doors close at the end of August. Almost immediately Pirlot begins converting from greenhouse to Christmas gift shop.

In addition to ornaments, wreaths, Snow Craft Candles and all the Christmas decor, water lanterns — think snow globe with a light — are big sellers. Pirlot said the shop sold hundreds this year but still has a small selection left. Another big hit for the year was just about any item with a cardinal on it, he said.

Although Flowerland Greenhouse carries them in the spring and summer as well, bird feeders and wind chimes are popular, as are the Melissa & Doug children’s line — wooden puzzles, arts and craft products, plush toys and other educational items.

The gift shop stays open until the second week of January, clearing out as much inventory as possible before it all has to be packed away. Pirlot said that he is already ordering merchandise for next year’s Christmas season.

By late February, planting will begin for the spring. Pirlot said shipping disruptions initially caused by COVID still can be a factor, so they have begun growing as many plants as they can on site.

Come spring, Flowerland Greenhouse will sell thousands of hanging baskets. The business offers dozens of varieties of hydrangeas, berry plants, shrubs and trees as well, including the sought-after crimson king maple.

Flowerland Greenhouse is open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For updates, go to the business’ Facebook page.