Real Life

Photo Essay: A guided Tour of Baby Tijuana

Baby Tijuana as seen from sidewalk level.


A large Prickly Pear cactus dominates the southern facade of Baby Tijuana.


The Prickly Pear takes over a large wooden barrel.
It can ground these down into mulch within a two-month period.


This above-lawn planter, reminiscent of San Diego's early railway trestles,
is a central feauture of Baby Tijuana. Aparagus, Lettuce and Baby Artichokes grow inside.


From the Captain's Chair the dueno and his operations manager, Mr. Zippy,
can look out over much of the property, tend to the crops
and refresh with an ice-cold red can.


A native Californian Agave breathes easy and undergoes rehab at the Rancho


Peach blossoms seen in soft focus in front of the gardens Cactus Grande.


The Peach Blossoms and cactus fruit have synchronized and bloom together in the spring.


This green basket-shaped succulent is simply radiant in the San Diego sun.


Sea-bricks proved to be a logical and organic choice of building materials for the Malibu Wall Garden.


Detail: Sea-brick masonry as seen in the Malibu Wall Garden's south wall.
Carrot and Brussel Sprout greens visible above the bricks.


Emily's Abalone Alcove is a tucked away surprise for visitors.


Detail: The Alcove's southernmost Abalone and a collection of marbles from Emily's fishtank.


The mulch-box vies for space with Baby TJ's resident giant Prickly Pear.


If the mulch box is not careful it could end up going the way of the barrel seen in a previous image.


A small Succulent Variety Garden has taken on a zen-like
"oneness" with the lawn.


This bench offers a shaded couples retreat from the San Diego sun.


Detritus from the Pacific Gyre is collected and lies gathered below the bench.


Above the bench is a rare Seafruit Tree which bears Abalone's and Urchins
even throughout the winter months.


A large abalone shell ripens on the Seafruit Tree.


Detail: One of the tree's Abalone fruit.


Detail: One of the trees Urchinfruits glows in the midday sun.


The seasonal feel of these red cans belies the fact that they can
provide year-round nourishment to Baby TJ's inhabitants.