Trade Secrets - Day 1
What a day! This year was a bit different from previous years, but of course, an outstanding event. Trade Secrets, for those of who don’t know, it is a two day annual event. An annual Plant and Antique show one day and Garden Tours the next day, all supporting Womens Support Services, Domestic Violence Intervention & Prevention.
Trade Secrets is the primary fundraiser for Women’s Support Services. Their support helps adults and children who are victimized by domestic violence.
Their mission is to create a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention and education.
They offer free, confidential, client-centered services regardless of gender identification, focused on safety, support, advocacy, prevention education and community engagement.
24 HOUR HOTLINE: 860-364-1900
Did you know?
1 in 4 women has been in an abusive relationship at some point in her life.
Every year, at least two million women are assaulted by a male partner in the U.S.
51% of teens know someone who has been abused via technology according to the Liz Claiborne, Inc.
Approximately 1 in 5 female students is physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
One in five children between the ages of 13 and 14 (20%) say their friends are victims of dating violence.
This year they posted signs around the antique and plant sale for the Women’s Support Services which I thought was such a nice touch. In previous years, they really didn’t inform participants on what the Trade Secrets Plant sale was really about.
This year was a tad different, in previous years you were able to park at Lion Rock Farm and walk right over to the tents, however this year, since it rained so much, cars were not allowed to park at Lion Rock Farm with fear of ruining the grass and getting cars stuck, so they had to park at Lime Rock Racing in the next town over and catch a shuttle bus to the event. This twist of events made it seem like there were not a lot of people at the event, when there really was, they were just more scattered.
Upon entering I had to walk straight to my favorite spot that I discovered from last year, The Green Bee.
The Green Bee Greenhouse sells organic vegetables and flowers grown at their nursery in Cornwallville, NY. Last year all the plants I purchased from them grew so large and bountiful I knew I needed to grab some again this year! However, I wasn’t the only one, it seemed that everyone else had the same idea. There was a line surrounding their tent and people eagerly to purchase their fresh healthy plants. If you’ve read my previous Trade Secret posts, you’ll know they have these amazing volunteers that actually come around and collect the purchases and bring them to a pick up area around back, and even sort them buy your ticket number! This way you don’t have to be dragging around hundreds of plants :)
Next I walked around the back section looking for anything else unique I could find, many of the same vendors but not that many people, like previous years, walking around. I believe it was because they were busing people around that made it seem much more scattered then what it usually looks like.
I walked back to the front to see my usual favorite antique sellers, RT Facts, Campo de’ Fiori, Battle Hill Forge and Passports.
Working my way into the tent and indoor pool there were some other favorite vendors are like Oblong Books in the same spot, whom I look forward to seeing every year.
A birthday gift for my mom, this beautiful bouquet from Tiny Hearts Farm was too good to grab!
I saw this beauty on the way out, even though Skeps aren’t used anymore and some sources have even stated they are illegal to use, its still a very beautiful piece of art.
Over all it was another great success, bought some really great plants and saw some amazing antiques. Excited for the next day!