Felix Gillet Institute Rare Trees

About

Bare Root Tree Savings Mix and match eligible bare root trees: buy 3, save 5% ; buy 10, save 15% ; or buy 6 and receive free standard shipping . Lower 48 only. Discounts and shipping thresholds are calculated separately from potted plants and perennials. See complete shipping details . Preserving Northern California's Historic Orchards for Future Generations 15% of proceeds from your rare tree purchase is donated back to the Felix Gillet Institute 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 livi