The farms that are springing up today and not the mom-and-pop farms of yore, which grew out of subsistence farming. The ones of today are niche farms, which each fill a special need. Many sell garden plants and nursery stock. However, unlike most older nurseries, today’s garden centers stock not only foundation planting, annuals, and perennials, but also exotic specimens, architectural elements, such as gates and ponds, and a host of eco-friendly products. Oh, yes, and most also have gift items.

Behind the scenes, these places look a lot like farms. Workers have callused hands, dirty shoes, and tanned faces and forearms. However, their products often have adjectives attached to their names: organic vegetables, heritage tomatoes, heirloom apples, artisan cheeses, and fruit wines. The people who start these businesses have a keen eye for local tastes, as well as the optimism that often accompanies good ideas.

Two examples of good ideas are upscale farm stands and wineries. Upscale farm stands sell all types of local produce, including lettuce, peas, berries, and maple syrup. They provide outlets for local farmers. Additionally, though, more and more of these places are selling a lifestyle of fresh, colorful abundance. They stock modest and flamboyant flower bouquets, beeswax candles, exotic cheeses, organic meats, prepared foods, and imported butters. Two blocks from my office, I can buy local sweet corn and slather it with imported ghee.

Wineries are another example of a good idea. In New England, commercial wine is a new industry, but one that is expanding rapidly. Every New England state now has wineries. Some feature classic wines, such as Chardonnay, while others proudly produce elegant fruit wines, including crisp pear and blueberry wines.