Man finds solace in his prickly fortress of solitude

At one of the entrances of Rice Canyon in Rancho del Rey, the work of Quito Barajas is on display.

Barajas is an open space inspector with the city of Chula Vista and spends most of his weekends and time off at a five-acre parcel known as the Rice Canyon Demonstration Gardens, gardens made up of drought-tolerant plants.
Before the gardens there was not much to see, lots of open space and dust. The area even became a popular hangout for teenagers after school hours.

But in 2009 Barajas and a friend found an agave plant dumped in the canyon. They picked it up and replanted it at the entrance to Rice Canyon, which became the official start of the garden’s existence.

Barajas said he started the gardens at a time when the Otay Water District continuously raised their water rates.

“It was an area that was just water-thirsty,” he said. “It had a lot of plants that were heavy water users.”

Most plants that occupy the demonstration gardens such as cactuses and bansai tress are drought tolerant and only need to be watered once a week, with other plants needing water at least once a month, Barajas said.

Barajas said shortly after he planted the agave he received about $2,500 in funding and bought more plants to add to the garden. He bought an Aloe Hercules and Aloe Dichotomas to add to the garden.

Today, nearly seven years after planting the garden, the plants and trees are fully blossomming, forming an oasis. He said the garden has about 25 different types of aloes, 15 pedal cactuses, five different tree species and many more plants that he’s lost track of.

Barajas adds to the demonstration garden when he can. Sometimes, he says, organizations like the San Diego Cactus Society and residents donate to the garden. People usually donate rocks, plants or decorations.

A portion of the demonstration garden is Mediterranean themed.

Barajas estimates that he spends anywhere from five to 12 hours a month upkeeping the garden.

“It’s my passion,” he said. “I just have fun.”

Barajas has an Associate’s Degree in horticulture from Southwestern College and has worked in the green industry for 37-years.

Barajas said Southwestern College students often come and check out the garden for school assigned projects. He said even elementary schools make a day out of visiting the demonstration gardens.

“It’s my sanctuary, it’s my fortress of solitude,” he said.