Living Canvas

In his Southern California backyard, a classically trained horticulturist bends the rules without quite breaking them.

- Johanna Silver

After spending two years earning certification from England’s centuries-old Royal Horticultural Society at Wisley, Dustin Gimbel was qualified to be a head gardener almost anywhere. But after a quick jaunt home to Southern California, he realized that no opportunity could compete with his heart’s desire to work in the West Coast’s sunshine and warm weather.