Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Photo Essay: A guided Tour of Baby Tijuana

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Baby Tijuana as seen from sidewalk level.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A large abalone shell ripens on the Seafruit Tree.

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Detail: One of the tree's Abalone fruit.

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

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