Valiant Volunteers

Trade Secrets has come of age—literally. Now 21 years old, the annual gardening bash has become a tradition for horticulturalists of all levels of experience as well as for those who simply enjoy seeing what gardening icons such as Falls Village’s Bunny Williams do in their own spaces.

Since 2001 the event, inspired by Williams and Naomi Blumenthal and guided by horticulturist Deborah Munson, has presented opportunities to browse displays of rare plant and garden antiques—50 of them this year—and to take garden tours of prominent designers’ properties.

This year tours will be offered at Bunny Williams’ and John Rosselli’s estate; Michael Trapp's West Cornwall garden and Christopher Spitzmiller's Clove Brook Farm. In addition, there will be three public gardens on tour—two in New York, Wethersfield in Amenia and Innisfree Garden in Millbrook; and Hollister House Garden in Washington, CT.

Proceeds from Trade Secrets support the work of Women’s Support Services (WSS) in Sharon, a non-profit domestic violence agency serving Northwest Connecticut and surrounding communities in New York and Massachusetts.

As can be imagined, coordinating and staffing such an affair requires a devoted coterie of volunteers. “Volunteers are the heart of Trade Secrets and bring the ‘community feel’ that makes it such a success,” said Kaitlyn Robitaille, director of Special Gifts and Events.

About 200 volunteers help annually, including those who are long-standing participants and have worked up through the ranks to sit on the planning committee. Others are new to the process and want to learn more about the effort. Some are avid gardeners, others seek to support WSS.

“We begin planning at least a year in advance,” said Robitaille. “In fact, we are already looking at 2025. For volunteers, we begin recruitment in December and January through social media, our website and word-of-mouth. Right now we have 136 volunteers signed up. We have volunteers who come in days in advance to help set up, those who work on the day of the sale and others who work on the tours—parking cars at Bunny Williams’ or greeting people at Wethersfield. You can’t look far without seeing a volunteer.”

Some volunteers even sign up for five shifts, working from morning through the end of the event. “It’s heartwarming to see that,” said Robitaille.

Volunteers receive passes to the sales event on Saturday, complimentary lunch during the shift and admission to a garden tour of the volunteer’s choice on Sunday.

While Trade Secrets is a tradition in the area, that does not mean it never changes. For the past two decades it has been hosted by Elaine Laroche who offered her LionRock Farm for the event. “We’ve known for a few years that we were outgrowing LionRock,” said Betsey Mauro, executive director of WSS. This year, Trade Secrets will relocate to Lime Rock Park, the historic road racing circuit, for the Saturday, May 14th sales event.

“I have often felt that as the event has grown, this is where we should be,” said founder Bunny Williams. “The facilities of the park will make it so much more convenient for all attending, both in parking and pickup. Shopping will be an easier experience.”

The sales event will open at 7:30 AM for underwriter tickets with breakfast included (ticket prices are available at tradesecretsct.com). At 9 AM Early Buyer tickets, which also include breakfast, will go on sale at $150. Regular admission begins at 10:30 AM for $50, followed at 12:30 PM by Late Bloomers tickets at $25.

Sunday, May 15th, is tour day, with the private garden admissions set at $20. The public gardens are open for $10 each.

Also, on Sunday Trade Secrets is hosting a Brunch and Book Signing at the White Hart from 9:30 AM to noon. Authors signing books include Matthew Patrick Smyth, Carolyn Roehm, Frances Palmer and James Golden. Tickets are $50 and there is limited seating.

Trade Secrets will follow Covid-19 guidelines for both days and require proof of vaccination. Attendees are advised to check updates at the Trade Secrets website.

Tickets went on sale April 1. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tradesecretsct.com
or call 860-364-1080. Follow at @tradesecretsCT.