Trade Secrets 2019

May 21, 2019

May is one of my favorite times back East. We always head back then for a few weeks at Hawthorne and a host of events I/we like to partake in. It also happens to be Mister Sive’s BIRTHday during our stay, so he always gets to be surrounded by his family on his day. It is always a special time for us to be back in our beloved Hudson Valley. It is also the time of year for Trade Secrets. A Bunny Williams and her pals idea that begun almost 20 years ago as a fundraiser for a women’s support organization in the area of Connecticut where the event is held, whose mission is that of a community free of domestic violence and abuse through intervention, prevention and education. The rare plant and garden antique sale is filled with vintage goods that make me so happy my head spins. Finds for the house as well as the shops. It is one of my favorite days of the year. Similar to gift buying shows, I am often remiss in taking many photos as I am so caught up in the moment. But here are a few I did snap.

The event draws tons of creative folks from all over the area, so I get to see & meet tons of people. Bunny is always there and is a delight. Martha Stewart has never missed a day in the 19 years of the sale. I ran into and got to catch up with Lewis Miller who has become an international floral maestro, who was a customer of mine when I had my wholesale showroom ages ago. It is filled with flower lovers from near & far. A huge treat for me this year was running into Margot Shaw, who is the founder and editor in chief of FLOWER magazine. See below image. We have had an e-mail friendship for many years so it was lovely to finally meet and give her a hug. A kindred spirit indeed. She was there doing a signing for her new book Living Floral. Look for signed copies making their way to Watson Kennedy soon! I always attend the event with my dear friend Elizabeth, who lives in Rye and drives up on Friday and spends the night at Hawthorne and we get up super early on Saturday morning and attend the breakfast that begins at 8. It has become our tradition. This year Barb from WK joined in the fun too, as she was visiting her sister Greta in CT. The 4 of us had a grand time. If you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods in May, put it on your to-do list. It really is a huge treat and tons of fun.