Trade Secrets, held annually in Sharon, Connecticut, has become one of the country’s most talked about gardening events. The rare plant and garden antiques show on Saturday is complemented by tours of nearby gardens on Sunday. Trade Secrets is a benefit for Women’s Support Services.

This year’s show and sale of plants and garden ornaments is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2009 at LionRock Farm from 10 am to 3 pm. As has become customary for early birds, admission at 8am and continental breakfast are available for an additional fee. Nearly 60 vendors and garden antiques dealers come from around the Northeast with their truckloads of wares – unique treasures that you might search a lifetime for – and they descend upon LionRock to offer garden lovers a day of pure treasure hunting! Some of the nation’s best known small nurseries and specialty growers will present rare plant specimens: flowers, bulbs, herbs, shrubs, and more. Purveyors of the choicest garden antiques will show furniture, cloches, wrought-iron fencing and statuary. Select dealers will display vintage and modern textiles, garden books old and new, as well as a few novelty surprises for your garden.

On Sunday, May 17, 2009, from 10am to 4PM, Bunny Williams, Nancy McCabe, Old Farm Nursery and Michael Trapp will graciously open their gardens in Falls Village, Lakeville and West Cornwall. These notable garden designers and antiques specialists have created splendid settings in the Connecticut countryside, where visitors can stroll at their own pace, enjoying the spring displays and taking inspiration for their own gardens. Numerous restaurants in the area will welcome attendees for delicious meals between stops on the tours, and lodging is available nearby for those who chose to make Trade Secrets a full-weekend treat.


“One of the few events that goes on to my calendar a year in advance is Trade Secrets Rare Plant and Garden Antique Show in Sharon, CT. Why? Because I find amazing varieties of plants, meet all kinds of extraordinary gardeners and find many antiques and tools for my own garden. It’s exciting, very beautiful and benefits the Women’s Support Services in northwest CT – a most worthy cause.”

— Martha Stewart