Area Red Hatters Descend on Drayton

Tuesday evening, September 6, Drayton blossomed in red and purple when twenty-six Red Hatters in full regalia descended on the small restaurant there. Cindy’s Restaurant employees are to be commended for their poise while contending with these colorful ladies. They even refrained from mentioning the purple eye one of the ladies was sporting. And it was, oh, so color-coordinated with her purple outfit!

Earlier in the afternoon, the Crimson Prairie Bonnets (Greenbush area Red Hatters) visited Marlys Nelson’s impressive flower gardens on her farm near Drayton. The flower gardens were so awesome, in fact, that they outdid the Red Hatters’ colorful fashions!


It’s difficult to decide what was more impressive – the gardens or Marlys herself. This ambitious lady not only plants and cares for the gardens, but also welcomes people who wish to tour the grounds. As we pulled in, she invited us in for punch. Marlys, who is a former teacher and an accomplished speaker, welcomed us to her home and told us about her "hobby on the edge of obsession."

So what’s the big deal about planting some flowers in the yard? Well, consider some eight thousand flowers, most planted from seeds she harvested from her gardens the previous year. She starts them in the very "tea room" where she served us punch. In the winter, this room is transformed into a hot, humid climate-controlled area where she germinates the seed, transplants seedlings to packs, then coaxes them to a size suitable for outdoor planting.

The transformation of the room does not happen easily. This part of the operation is one of the few times the men of the family assist Marlys with her all-consuming hobby. Her collection of old-fashioned dinette tables (our tea tables) must be removed from the tea room to storage. The large planting carts (six layers high and with eighty-six or so grow-lights attached) must be brought in.

In the spring, after all the plants are finally in the gardens, the room is again transformed – back to the cute and handy tea room. Not as easy as it sounds. After all the heat and humidity, the entire room, from ceiling to floor, has to be cleaned with a mildew remover. And then, of course, the carts go into storage and the tables come out of storage.

Meanwhile in the gardens, all the plants must be cared for – each variety to its own specifications. And, the plants aren’t alone out there. All sorts of lawn ornaments and antiques are brought out to accent the flower beds, including the grandchildren's favorite – the pond. Water, of course, attracts most children, but I’m sure Marlys’ grandchildren are also fascinated with the four little statues, each with the name of a grandchild.

The Red Hatters’ favorite? Well, with the wonderful variety in the garden, I expect we could never agree on one favorite. But there was only one tea room. We all loved it and were invited to enjoy it again at the end of the tour. This time Marlys served coffee and dessert! Where did she find the time to prepare all this for us?

At this point, Marlys’ husband joined the group and told us a little about their experiences in the flood of the century. He felt they were lucky to have saved their home from flooding and told us how he appreciated the flood workers from the Greenbush area. He mentioned he had promised the crew a picnic when the waters went down. He was apologetic because the picnic never happened, but expressed his appreciation for the accomplishments of the workers from the Greenbush area. What a nice couple!

Marlys’ work gladdens the hearts of all who wish to tour her gardens. She welcomes "drive-throughs" as well as groups. Even after treating our large group to punch and an introductory speech; the grand tour; and coffee and dessert, she declined payment. She may have flowers blooming in her garden, but apparently goodness blooms in her heart. She shares both without reservation.

Ah, yes, it is true. After Marlys’ dessert we all trouped off to Cindy’s Restaurant in Drayton for supper. But it’s okay. We’re Red Hatters. We can have dessert before our meals!

Please watch The Tribune and check the Crimson Prairie Bonnets website at http://www.wiktel.net/bonnets for details of the next Red Hat event. Got an idea for an event? Just do it!


Submitted by the Diva of the Keyboard, Crimson Prairie Bonnets, Greenbush area chapter of the Red Hat Society.