Bequest nurtures Miller garden

The mission of the Friends of the Hortense Miller Garden — to save a calm and artistic oasis — has been given a boost because of a generous donation from the estate of JoHannah Sisson.

Trustee Dixie Jordan presented a check for $267,123 to the Friends in a short ceremony recently at the garden Sisson worked to preserve.

The Hortense Miller Garden sits on two-and a half acres at the top of Boat Canyon in Laguna Beach.

It was given to the city in the mid-1970s by the owner, who continued to live there until last July. Miller, who turned 98 in September, was a noted gardener, author and folk artist and the house and garden is open for public tours.

Sisson, a longtime member of the board of directors of the garden, a docent, and a former president of the Friends, came to Laguna Beach in 1960 and was one of the early directors of the garden.

She was a teacher and counselor for 30 years with the Santa Ana Unified School District.

Tours of the garden and mid-century modern home, filled with Miller’s artwork, are available Monday through Saturday by arrangement through the City of Laguna Beach Recreation Department at (949) 497-0716.