Preserving Northern California's Historic Orchards for Future Generations

Limited availability—reserve up to 5 rare trees per order while supplies last

Each carefully selected tree will be shipped in a 6-foot box to maintain maximum growth

In the scenic hills of Northern California, the Felix Gillet Institute (FGI) is on a passionate quest to rediscover and preserve a botanical legacy from the Gold Rush era. Founded in 2003 by Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply founder Amigo Bob Cantisano, FGI dedicates itself to identifying, cultivating, and sharing rare, historical fruit trees that have endured for over 125 years. These ancient varieties, once essential to California’s early settlers, offer unique resilience to drought, pests, and harsh conditions, standing as living remnants of a diverse agricultural heritage.

During the Gold Rush, hopeful settlers planted orchards across Northern California, bringing fruit tree varieties from far-flung places to the new frontier. These early pioneers, drawn first by gold but bound ultimately to the land, established orchards brimming with apples, pears, plums, and more. As time passed, however, these orchards began to disappear; today, nearly 95% of these heritage varieties are no longer accessible. FGI’s mission to preserve what remains is critical to maintaining the genetic diversity and resilience embedded in these historic trees.

The Felix Gillet Institute’s preservation efforts begin with discovery. Team members scour Northern California’s landscapes, from forgotten mining camps to remote homesteads, seeking out trees that have miraculously survived for over a century. Once located, these trees are carefully examined, and cuttings are taken from the oldest and hardiest specimens. Each cutting is a piece of living history—a direct genetic link to the past, carrying with it the resilience and adaptability of generations gone by. These cuttings are nurtured, propagated, and offered to those who value the preservation of our botanical heritage.

At the heart of the Felix Gillet Institute’s work is a commitment to education and sustainability. FGI’s mission is not only to propagate these trees but also to ensure that their hardy genetics are shared with today’s gardeners, farmers, and community orchards. By cultivating and disseminating these resilient varieties, FGI provides essential genetic resources that support sustainable agriculture and food production. These historic trees, resistant to disease and insect attack, require minimal human intervention and produce exceptional fruit, fiber, and ornamental qualities.

FGI’s work goes beyond preservation. The institute is dedicated to placing Felix Gillet in his rightful place in the history of California and American agriculture. In the late 19th century, Gillet introduced a wealth of fruit and nut tree varieties that helped transform the farming landscape of the Western United States. FGI’s research and educational initiatives aim to highlight Gillet’s profound impact on American agriculture, documenting his contributions and sharing knowledge of the many species he brought to California. By identifying and evaluating sites with Gillet-introduced perennials, FGI ensures that the finest of these historic varieties are reintroduced into modern agriculture, where they continue to provide valuable genetic diversity and resilience.

Community involvement and educational outreach are integral to FGI’s mission. The institute works to raise awareness of the importance of preserving botanical diversity through workshops, outreach programs, and partnerships with schools and gardening organizations. By fostering a culture of stewardship, FGI hopes to inspire future generations to protect these living treasures and recognize their enduring value.

The French Immigrant Who Shaped the Agricultural Future of the American West

Felix Gillet is a name that holds an honorable and unique place in the history of fruit and nut growing in California and the Pacific Northwest. Born in Rocheford, France, in 1835, Gillet was a sailor who made at least seven transatlantic voyages before immigrating to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1852. In 1858, he arrived in San Jose, California, and a year later, he settled in Nevada City, where he would leave an indelible mark on the region's agricultural history.

Gillet's journey from a sailor to a nurseryman is a testament to his passion for horticulture. After initially owning a barber shop in Nevada City, he took a year-long sabbatical in 1862 to return to France and immerse himself in the nursery trade. Upon his return to Nevada City, he established the Barren Hill Nursery in 1866, one of the first fruit and nut nurseries on the West Coast of the United States. From this nursery, Gillet began importing hundreds of select fruit, nut, and grape varieties, initially from France and later from more than 30 nations around the world.

Felix Gillet's contributions to the agricultural landscape of California and the Western United States cannot be overstated. He is often regarded as the father of most of the perennial crop agriculture in the region. His introductions provided the primary varieties for many of the most important agricultural industries of the West, including almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, prunes, cherries, pears, apricots, wine and table grapes, figs, and strawberries. In addition to these crops, Gillet also propagated virtually every common temperate climate perennial edible species, as well as numerous species of ornamental and forest trees.

Gillet's impact extended beyond California; he is also credited with providing the nursery stock that established the hazelnut, walnut, prune, and wine grape industries in the Pacific Northwest. His introduction of hard-shelled walnuts from his native France was particularly significant, as these varieties proved to be better suited to the colder winters of Northern California and Oregon. Today, many of the original introductions from Gillet's nursery are still thriving in foothill towns, mining camps, and homesteads throughout California, where they continue to bear fruit and contribute to the state's rich agricultural heritage.

In addition to his work as a nurseryman, Felix Gillet was also an influential figure in Nevada City. He served as a two-term city councilman and was instrumental in the creation of Nevada City's first water system. He was also a prime mover in the Workingman's Party and a founder and board member of what is now the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture. Throughout his life, Gillet was a prolific author, writing extensively on the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. His work appeared in numerous agricultural publications of the day, and he was considered an authority on many crops during his lifetime.

The legacy of Felix Gillet lives on today through the efforts of those who continue to preserve and propagate the rare historical fruit trees that he introduced to the region. These trees are a living connection to a rich and resilient past, a testament to the enduring spirit of the early settlers who first brought them to California. By nurturing and preserving these trees, we honor the legacy of Felix Gillet and ensure that the fruits of his labor continue to thrive for generations to come.

A Collection of Legacy Trees, Raised for Today

Our collection of trees connects today’s growers with California’s rich agricultural past, offering carefully propagated fruit trees that trace back to the Gold Rush era. Each tree begins with scions, or small cuttings, meticulously harvested from the mother stock of the original trees. These scions are then grafted onto modern rootstock, specifically selected to ensure resilience and compatibility with each tree variety. This grafting process is essential to preserving the integrity and unique characteristics of these historic trees, allowing them to retain their original qualities while adapting to the diverse climates and soils of modern landscapes.

By using modern rootstock, these heritage trees are more capable of thriving in a range of growing conditions, bringing the rare flavors, appearances, and growth habits of the past to new settings. Each tree embodies the spirit of resilience shown by the early settlers who planted them, offering a unique chance for growers to cultivate a part of Northern California’s botanical legacy. Through this collection, today’s gardeners and orchardists can help ensure these rare, historically significant varieties continue to thrive, contributing to the biodiversity of our landscapes and providing a tangible link to the region’s agricultural heritage. In preserving and sharing these trees, we keep alive a valuable piece of history, providing fruit and beauty that can be enjoyed for generations to come.