Project Description: 

Widely considered a modern design masterpiece, the Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana showcases the iconic work of leading 20th century landscape architect Dan Kiley, architects Eero Saarinen and Kevin Roche, interior designer Alexander Girard, and clients J. Irwin Miller and Xenia Simons Miller. The home was completed between 1953 and 1957 and became a National Historic Landmark in 2000. Today, the property remains open to the public. Visitors can experience an example of exemplary collaborative design that captures the genius of its designers, the aspirations of its owners, and the spirit of their time.

For the 13-acre landscape, Dan Kiley designed a garden that responds to the architecture of the home with multiple outdoor rooms and geometric order. The north garden or “adult garden” is situated outside the kitchen, dining room, and primary bedroom of the house. It connects to the iconic honey-locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) allée and is enclosed by hedges from the entry drive and perimeter of the property. Kiley’s original design was kept intact for over 30 years complete with redbud (Cercis sp.) groves, yellowwood (Cladrastis sp.) trees, fern and wildflower plantings, a water fountain focal point, open lawn, and crushed granite paving. In the late 1980s, the garden was altered with changes from the redbud trees to crabapple (Malus sp.), pear (Pyrus sp.) trees replaced the yellowwood trees, and a new gridded planter of annuals was introduced.

We are thrilled to be working with Newfields to restore the north garden. As part of the project process, extensive archival work and research will document the history of the garden, past design and decision making, and evaluation criteria to inform the garden restoration. The combined effects of deteriorating garden conditions, contemporary maintenance needs, loss of design heritage, and current social and cultural values will help determine the appropriate approach in the garden. We will engage stakeholders who care for this property to ensure the garden will continue to serve as a place for learning and inspiration of future generations. 

Miller House and Garden is owned and cared for by Newfields. Tours at Miller House and Garden are made possible through the Columbus Area Visitors Center.