Siena Farms

For years, I passed by this small farm on my way home and wished that it would reopen to the public. Last year, when it finally did, it was just as good as I'd hoped, with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and truly gorgeous vegetables. I especially enjoyed their intriguing selection of unusual varieties -- a rainbow of tiny potatoes, small cauliflowers in geometric shapes, tender pyramidal cabbages, miniature eggplants, Brussels sprouts still on the stem, heirloom tomatoes, and lots of splendid herbs and greens. They had quantities of familiar garden staples too, and all of excellent quality.

Their CSA system worked a little differently. Rather than a set "box" or a weekly share, prepaid subscriptions entitled customers to discounts that could be applied to the purchase of any kind or amount of produce at the farm stand or market. It was convenient, because you could choose just what you wanted at a given time, rather than on the farm's schedule. But, at least initially, it seemed less economical than a more traditional CSA, where you pay in advance for your full share and then figure out what to do with it. There's likely to be less waste and less 'produce panic' with the Siena model, however.

I happily signed up again for this year. For quality, variety, friendliness, and sheer beauty, I highly recommend Siena Farms.