The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic, telling the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle in a large, mysterious house on the Yorkshire Moors after her parents' death. Lonely and spoiled, Mary discovers a secret garden on the estate that has been locked away for years, and her journey to bring it back to life leads to profound personal transformation.
Mary begins as a difficult and unhappy child, but as she spends more time in the garden, her attitude and outlook begin to change. The garden becomes a symbol of healing and growth, not just for Mary, but for the other characters in the story, too. Along the way, she forms new friendships, particularly with Dickon, a local boy who has a special connection with nature, and her cousin Colin, a sickly and sheltered boy who also finds his own sense of renewal through the garden.
Frances Hodgson Burnett’s writing beautifully captures the magic of nature and its power to restore both body and soul. The descriptions of the garden, as it transforms from a neglected and hidden space into a blooming haven, are rich with detail and wonder. As the garden flourishes, so do the characters, and the themes of friendship, healing, and self-discovery are central to the story.
The Secret Garden shows the transformative effects of kindness, nature, and perseverance. Mary’s character development, from a lonely and bitter girl to someone who learns to care for others and for herself, is heartwarming. The friendships she forms and the mysteries she uncovers along the way keep the story engaging and uplifting.
This novel continues to be a favourite for readers of all ages. Its timeless message about the importance of nature, friendship, and resilience makes it a charming and inspiring read. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting it, The Secret Garden is a magical story that reminds us of the beauty in the world around us and the power of change.
See below for ‘The Secret Garden’ words. You can also access an editable list here.
Vocabulary Cards
As well as word lists, we also offer free use of our vocabulary cards, which can be downloaded as a PDF for use in class. Complete a short form and we will email you the cards straight away.
Vocabulary cards include:
- Definition;
- Word type;
- Synonyms and antonyms;
- Example sentence;
- Image.
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The Vocab Module - How it Works
Find out more about our Vocab module. It's simple, online, and each learner has their own username and password. You (the teacher) allocate the word list you'd like your class to work on... and away they go!
