Trade Secrets is one of those charity events where the volunteers (in their trademark aprons) have as much fun as anyone. And it takes an army of volunteers to transport all the plants and antiques from the 50 vendors' booths to the drive-through pick-up area and to make sure everyone (including über-shopper Martha Stewart) gets all their purchases into their cars. After nine years, the organizers from Women's Support Services have mastered running such a massive show with good humor and grace, which fosters a wonderful, regional esprit de corps.
Artisan Peter Felske and Trade Secrets co-founder Naomi Blumenthal; Elaine La Roche, the owner of Lion Rock Farm, which hosts Trade Secrets, with Pete Hathaway.
Margaret Roach, who runs AWayToGarden.com and The Sister Project, with Susan Schneider of Shandell's in Millerton.
Millerton floral designer Kamilla Najdek and David Najdek of EcoBuild; Ryan "Leo" Goldsmith of the Farm at Miller's Crossing.
Martha Stewart and her crew filled a pick-up truck and SUV with plants they purchased.
Garden writer Tovah Martin, whose latest book is The New Terrarium; volunteer Larry Peck.
To keep the event as green as possible, volunteers were asked to wear their aprons from years past. Charles Tomlinson and Sandy Orter pause for a break with Trade Secrets co-chair Rita Delgado.
Shoppers Podie Lynch and Gillian Steel; volunteer Ann Peck.
Hammertown Barn's Danielle Michael & Dana Osofsky
Writer Jane Garmey with Dan Dwyer of Jonnycake Books whose booth featured rare and arcane volumes on horticulture; volunteers Anita Tiburzi and Linda Ott Jaeger.
Shoppers Terri & Peter Clark with Jean Turner; Chris Morley & Leone Young flank Israel Fitch of Battle Hill Forge.
Vendors Jan Hoffman & David Woodward who brought furniture and wool and linen yard goods from Pennsylvania.
Dale McDonald and John Dasher; Julie Harwood, Robin Cockerline of Whippoorwill Farm, and Deb Munson, a member of the Women's Support Services board.
Richard Lambertson & Suzanne Cassano of Privet House in Warren, CT.
Written by
Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
