May 2017 Events for the Design Minded

Art in Bloom, Museum of Fine Arts

Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour

Trade Secrets

Near and Far Aid House Tour

Garden Education Center of Greenwich, Annual May Gardeners Market

Brimfield Antique Show

It looks like house and garden tour season has arrived. Mark your calendars with these events sure delight any design-lover.

Garden Education Center of Greenwich
Annual May Gardeners Market
May 3, 4, and 6
This annual sale at the Garden Education Center of Greenwich offers the opportunity to purchase the plants you’ve been dreaming about all winter. Socialize and get a jump start on the sale at the Kick-off Cocktail Party on May 3, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. On May 4, early birds can enjoy on-site parking and the first chance to pluck the most interesting plants for a fee of $10 for members and $15 for non-members, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The regular market is free on May 6, with parking at the Cos Cob Elementary School and shuttle bus service, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (203) 869-9242, gecgreenwich.org

Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour
May 6
Enjoy seeing some of the most beautiful homes in
tony Wellesley, Massachusetts, during this annual
self-guided tour. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door at any of the homes. I Visit the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club website for details. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., whjwc.org

Brimfield Antique Show
May 9–14
Time to cross the border into Massachusetts for the renowned Brimfield Antique Show. Considered one of the best and biggest antique and flea markets in the country, this show features more than 6,000 dealers selling everything from vintage bric-a-brac to fine antiques. Show hours and admission vary depending on field and venue location. See brimfieldshow.com for details.

Near and Far Aid House Tour
May 12
This has become one of the most anticipated spring house tours in New England. See some of the extraordinary homes in Westport, Southport, and Fairfield. Start the day with a pre-tour breakfast at the Patterson Club in Fairfield, featuring a presentation by renowned interior designers Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller of Carrier and Company. Breakfast 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; $75. Tour 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; tickets are $65 in advance and $75 the day of the tour. (203) 259-1710, nearandfaraid.org

26th Annual Kitchen Tour
May 13
The Music Hall’s 26th annual kitchen tour will feature the Little Harbor neighborhood in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The tour showcases a wide range of design styles from coastal to historic. I 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tickets are available for pre-purchase for $25 for Music Hall members, $27 for nonmembers, and $30 on the day of the event. Tickets available by phone, (603) 436-2400, online at themusichall.org, or at the Music Hall box office, 28 Chestnut Street, Portsmouth, N.H.

Living with Your Old House
May 13
Owning a historic home is not for the fainthearted. Experts from Historic New England as well as other professionals will take a comprehensive look at living with an old house. Bring your photos and questions to the one-day workshop, and get answers to help you maintain and preserve your house. I 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $20 Historic New England members, $30 nonmembers. Tickets available by phone or online (802) 989-4723. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, Vt., historicnewengland.org

Trade Secrets
May 13–14
Trade Secrets is back for its 17th year with a two-day event geared to gardening enthusiasts. Day one features a sale of rare plants and garden antiques at LionRock Farm in Sharon. Day two offers a tour featuring spectacular gardens in Cornwall, Falls Village, and nearby Ashley Falls, Massachusetts. Proceeds will go to Women’s Support Services of Northwest Connecticut. Admission for plant sale: early buying, 8 a.m., $125 includes breakfast; regular buying, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $40; late bloomer, 1 p.m.–3 p.m., $25. Garden tour, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $75 advance purchase only, tradesecretsct.com

Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill 88th Annual Tour
May 18
The Beacon Hill Garden Club’s annual tour is the perfect chance to visit 10 beautiful hidden gardens while enjoying the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill and its unique shops and restaurants. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $45 at select shops on Beacon Hill and through the website at BeaconHillGardenClub.org. Tour day tickets are $55 at the information tables at the corner of Charles and Mt. Vernon streets. Tour is from 9:00 until 5:00 – rain or shine. beaconhillgardenclub.org

35th Annual Newton House Tour
May 21
Come take a peek at some of the most interesting private residences in Newton, Massachusetts. The tour features a wide variety of architectural and design styles. Proceeds will benefit the Newton Historical Society. I Tickets can be purchased in advance online, $35 general admission and $30 for Historic Newton members; tickets are $40 and $35, respectively, the day of the tour. Tickets on the day of the tour can be picked up at the Durant-Kenrick House. (617) 796-1463, newtonma.gov