“As problematic as Miller’s species choices are for us now, in the second half of the 19th century bringing in plants from afar was a big deal. Besides Kew Gardens, There were even older Plant conservatories in London. Which means it would have been likely that Miller’s literary friends there would have shown them to him at some point. The global practice of collecting exotic plants was in full swing.
So it’s likely Miller would have assimilated those values, ( if not before ) and thus would have been inspired to bring in non-native plants to Oakland.
So I think we need to take that into consideration— and articulate the complexities of the issue, rather than simply judge “ - Egert
So not until about a decade after Miller died did the city of Oakland purchase land for a rose garden. Then it was another decade till they started planting bushes at Morcom.
Miller was way ahead of the crowd.
Residents of The Hights:
Miller
Margaret (mother)*
Noguchi
Calla Shasta*
Maud*
Juanita
Kanno
Boyle
Madge Morris Wagner