CITY FOCUS:Miller leaves her garden

Revered gardener Hortense Miller moved July 20 from her garden home overlooking Boat Canyon to a board and care facility in Aliso Viejo.

The Hortense Miller Garden, with some 1,500 plant species, is well- known in the horticulture world.

“She seemed quite content,” said Marsha Bode, manager of the 2 ½-acre Hortense Miller Gardens on Allview Terrace. “She hadn’t been able to enjoy the garden recently because of her failing eyesight. And she always said the house was not built for wheelchairs.”

Miller, who will turn 98 on Sept. 9, has been in a wheelchair for the past few years.

Plans were in place for the move when the time came, Bode said. JoHannah Sisson, who has managed the house and caretakers for Miller, has her power of attorney.

“I think it was more important for us to have her at the garden than it was to her,” Friends President Chloe Echternacht said.

The Friends group organizes tours of the gardens.

Miller took only her clothes when she moved. Art and personal belongings are still at the home, which was built in 1959 by Miller and her husband, Oscar. Caretakers are on the grounds at all times, Bode said.

“We don’t know exactly how the move will affect the garden, except the tours will continue uninterrupted,” Bode said.

The city holds a quit claim to the property, with Miller entitled to live on the property until her death.

“There is a separate agreement between the Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden and the city for the continued operation,” Bode said. “The city will maintain the house. The Friends will maintain the garden and sell Hortense’s book.”

For more information, call (949) 497-0716, or visit www.hortensemillergarden.org