John and Gretchen Ceteras purchased their 20-acre farm in Rumsey in 1975. What was originally an almond orchard was gradually turned into 5 acres of Washington navel oranges, an acre of walnuts, and a few fig trees, plus small plots for growing summer offerings of Heirloom tomatoes and summer squash. They became certified organic in 1984. In July of 2018 John passed away—Gretchen and her trusted manager, Orlando, continue to produce their famously delicious Washington navel oranges and limited summer crops. A new block of citrus was planted in the spring of 2020 which will eventually add Moro Blood oranges, Cara Cara, grapefruit, and limes to their offerings. Gretchen's son, Noah, spends weekends on the farm to fill the huge gap that John left when he could not overcome his illness.

Gretchen continues to grow her precious Lagenaria (hard-shelled gourds) for her own use as well as raw gourds to share. The gourds that she selects for her wood burning, known as Dream Gourds, have been included in several books. She has also been creating the award gourds for the EcoFarm Conference for nearly 40 years.

< Back to Producer Index