The Secret Garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett
© 1911

Orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle at his estate on the Yorkshire moors. As soon as she arrives, she begins to discover the secrets within this mysterious old home and the beautiful landscape in which it exists. At night, she hears the sounds of distant cries echoing through the endless corridors. By day, she meets Dickon and delights in his magical powers with all living creatures. One day, with the help of a friendly robin, Mary discovers the most mysterious wonder of all– a secret garden, walled and locked, which has been completely neglected for years and years. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary and Dickon nurse it back to life?


The Secret Garden was read by Kristen Bures.

Kristen Bures, "Lily Craven" in Lyric Theatre Company's 2003 production of The Secret Garden, is an accomplished vocalist and actress. Recently, local audiences have enjoyed listening to her lilting soprano in appearances as "Adele" in Die Fledermaus, “Eliza Doolittle” in Stowe Theatre Guild's My Fair Lady and "Maria" in Lyric Theatre Company's The Sound of Music. When not onstage, you'll find her in the office of the New England Culinary Institute playing her daytime "role" of Assistant Corporate Controller.

For details on The Secret Garden -- April 10-13, 2003, check the Lyric Theatre web site.

What do you think?

Compare the Mary Lennox who arrives at Misslethwaite Manor with the Mary Lennox who restores the garden. How does she change? Why does she change? What or who do you think contributes the most to her transformation?

When Mary first meets Dickon he brings her a gift. What is the gift and how does it serve to keep on giving to Mary and all others who visit the garden? What do you think is the most important gift Dickon gives to Mary?

Online Adventures Where should you go from here?

Since the beginning of time, people have been absorbed in the beauty of flowers, but there's more to these pretty petals than meets the eye. Now, you can see the beauty within... Albert Richards, a University of Michigan Professor Emeritus, has been creating floral radiographs –they look like x-rays– for over 40 years. For a gallery of radiographs visit his web site.

Do you have a Secret Garden?

Visit Nature's web site to learn more about how to create bio-diversity in your backyard. Check their resources for tips on gardening and other ideas for attracting interesting wildlife and helpful insects to improve the health and beauty of your garden.

Grace Greene from The Vermont Department of Libraries suggests you take a look at...

Cassedy, Sylvia. Behind the Attic Wall. Crowell, 1983.
In the bleak, forbidding house of her great-aunts, neglected
twelve-year-old orphan Maggie hears ghostly voices and finds magic
that awakens in her the capacity to love and be loved.