Fairyland Discovered in Bagley
Have you ever been totally enchanted while out on a walk? Well, here’s my story. While walking in the woods one day, tall pines and thick shrubs obscuring the sun and creating a dappled glow, a clearing appeared and as I looked closer, I saw tiny homes with tiny creatures. The cottages were lit by pinpricks of light, and so cozy and homey I wanted to move right in. The woodland fairies welcomed me in and I spent a long, happy time ….
Ok, back to reality; it was a walk in Bagley, but the surprise was real when I came upon a sign that said Tree Queen Tea & Gifts. Following the sign I entered into a rare space that was all the more special for being unexpected.
Moving into the back yard through a tall gate, I saw a stone path leading to an open air room with pine wood chairs, a tea table and a cabinet full of surprises- Fairy houses delightfully created and furnished with tables, chairs, beds, all in miniature. They are all one of a kind, and crafted of wood, twigs and moss with flower accents. A little girl (or any girls’!) dream come true.
Next to this is a door leading to more surprises; a tiny gift shop where I met the owner, Marilyn Dieckmann. She welcomed me in and began telling me about her special fairy houses and how they came to be.
Marilyn and husband Don built the first one for their lucky granddaughter in 2005. In 2006 she created a website (www.weetreehome.com) and began selling them, as it turns out, all over the world. Whoopie Goldberg, (REALLY!) Has two in her garden. These houses appeal to the child in all of us, and let us dream about a world of elves, brownies, fairies and mystic times.
In addition to the Fairy Houses, TreeQueen Tea & Gifts has an amazing assortment of Garden Accessories, Soap, Candles, Gifts, Americana, scarves, Teas, Treats, and more. Besides making the soaps, candles and lotions herself, Marilyn has had the time and inspiration to write a series of books!
The Everwud series are three books about an orphan boy who is so much more! I’m not giving it away but there is a theme that goes hand in hand with her fairy homes. Fantasy, action, and adventure- they have it all! They are children’s books, but I very much enjoyed the first one in the series, titled "The Tree, the Boy and The Dog."
Marilyn and Don previously owned and operated the Whistlestop Gift Shop in Bemidji for several years before starting Tree Queen Tea & Gifts in Bagley, which is located at 313 Clearwater Avenue. Business days and hours are 11-6 on Thursday and Saturday, and 11-8 on Friday, or by appointment.