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Thanks to Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply (originally started by our founder Amigo Bob Cantisano), a collection of some of our favorite species and varieties  are available for pre-sale through their website for the 2024/25 Bare Root Season 

Felix Gillet Collector Trees

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Below: the SOLD OUT Varieties listed are for informational purposes only. These are the trees and plants that we have re-discovered and sold over the years. They are the result of our passionate searches throughout Northern California, the Sierra Nevada and Western States to re-discover the historic, agricultural, living library still in existence. These trees and plants, left over from the 1800’s and early 1900’s Gold Rush era, were discovered on historic mining camps, ranches, and  homesteads. Most of these trees have become climate resilient with no human attention for the last 100 plus years. They give the best fruit and nuts in conditions that most fruit and nut trees cannot endure with large annual temperature variations.

These  grandmother trees have learned to thrive under the most harsh conditions, and with uncertain weather patterns.  It is our goal to make them available to growers, gardeners and communities throughout the West Coast.

We have personally taken cuttings directly from the 100+ year old grandmother trees that still cling to life in some, often deserted, historic orchards. The Felix Gillet Institute trees are very rare, exclusive plants – some may have only just been rediscovered.

95% of plants available during the 1800s are no longer available today.  We are saving what is left before they die. 

 You can become a Mother Orchard Supporter and help us in our efforts to discover more rare, historical trees and care for our collection of over 250 trees, by clicking on the Mother Orchard link above.

Ten of these varieties are available through Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply this year 2024/25. 

Thank you for all your Support!

Guigne Marbree

SKU 00106
$0.00
Sold out
Product Details

The origin of this variety is unknown, but we do know that Felix introduced it to the US in 1880. To quote Gillet: “Fruit medium large, round, skin dark red. Flesh purplish red, tender, juicy, delicate flavor.”

W.W Smith of Vacaville, one of the most famous cherry growers in 19th century California said: “I must speak of the Guigne Marbree which I obtained from Mr. Gillet, of Nevada City. I find it an immense bearer, ripening with the Early Purple Guigne, which is, with me, a shy bearer but a good shipping cherry. The Guigne Marbree is lighter colored than the other.” Ripens from late May through early July depending on location. Apparently self fertile, it will likely bear a larger crop with a pollenizer.

The amazing, hardy grandmother tree is growing in Lake City, Nevada County, originally Painesville near the South Yuba River. It is east of North Columbia at 3,390’ elevation. Settled in 1853 as a result of the hydraulic mining at Malakoff Diggins. At its peak more than 300 people lived in town. In 1877, it was included on the route of the world's first long-distance telephone line. Today the population is under 20.

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Guigne Marbree

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