Trade Secrets is better than ever

Trade Secrets is better than ever

Martha Stewart was busy talking to buyers of her new book “Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook.”

Christine Bates

Trade Secrets’ “Sunday in the Park” had a record number of gardeners, volunteers, plants, books and antiques on a cool May 17 at Lime Rock Park.

By 9:30 a.m., early ticket holders filled the parking lots, enjoyed a quick cup of coffee and a muffin and started inspecting the overwhelming variety of curated antiques, garden ornaments and plants from shy native shade lovers to blooming peonies and even vegetable starts.

The annual destination event that attracts gardeners from as far away as Indiana benefits Project SAGE, a nonprofit organization based in Lakeville that is dedicated to supporting, advocating, guiding and educating victims of relationship violence through a range of services and outreach programs.

Over 50 vendors exhibited their wares from French garden chairs and exotic plants to large stone urns under peaked white tents. Natalie Randall of RT Facts in Kent, who has exhibited since the very first Trade Secrets held at Bunny Williams’s house in Falls Village 25 years ago, observed that there were more vendors and more buyers than ever.

Admirers of Martha Stewart, one of the earliest supporters of the event, waited in a very long line to have a personally signed copy of “Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook.” The Sunday sale was preceded by a day of garden tours on Saturday including Bunny Williams’s own garden and other gardens in Salisbury, West Cornwall, and Millbrook.

Christine Bates

Very heavy stone garden ornaments and urns are a specialty of Judy Milne Antiques from Kingston.

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less