Desert Landscaping Tips from Hollywood’s Hottest Garden Designer
Landscape designer Thomas Diehl of The Living Canvas shares his tips for a desert garden.
Thomas J. Story
With a background in ornamental horticulture and plant science, Thomas Diehl views the West as a living gallery. He’s a frequent collaborator of Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Sunset’s Holiday Issue guest editor. “California gives the most diverse opportunity to have plants from all over the world,” he says. “It’s like weaving a tapestry that evolves and grows.” Here are his three essentials for creating a desert garden that feels deeply connected to place:
Citrus Trees for Fragrance and Flavor
Thomas J. Story
“Citrus is uplifting and happy—and you also get beautiful fruit to enjoy in so many ways.” He loves how citrus offers year-round structure, a high-vibration scent in bloom.
Architectural Plants for Structure
Thomas J. Story
“There are many plants here that are very architectural,” he explains, citing yuccas and succulents. “They create symmetry, play with light and shadow, and complement the lines of the house.”
An Outdoor Kitchen or Gathering Space
Thomas J. Story
“When you grow the food and then cook it outside, it changes everything,” he says. A pizza oven, barbecue, or shaded dining area makes the garden an extension of the home, turning outdoor living into an everyday ritual.
