History of the Garden

Dedicated in April 1981, the 1.3 acre garden was built through the generosity of Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller. Following three years of planning, in cooperation with California State University Long Beach, landscape architect Edward R. Lovell was chosen to oversee its creation. The resulting garden reflects the university's continued interest in international education, student and community engagement, as well as the Miller’s interests in nature and wellness.  The university is delighted to share this educational, cultural, and aesthetic resource with you.

The Garden is a hybrid art form that combines typical elements of Japanese garden design within the context of its Southern California location. They shared a passion for the outdoors, and gardening in particular. Loraine and Earl recognized the importance of travel, well-being, education and art as a means to self-development. These values are reflected in the Garden and through other projects they funded including the CSULB International House, Miller Children's Hospital and the ongoing work of the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation.