The Secret Garden Timeline

  • Mary's life in India

    Mary Lennox is a girl born in India. Her parents are distant, and she is a selfish child. She had an Indian servant, Kamala.
  • The Reunion and the End of the Secret

    Colin tells his father about the garden, Mary, Dickon, and the magic that made him well. Mr. Craven is very happy. Colin declares that it isn't a secret any more. That afternoon, Mrs. Medlock, Martha, and the other servants see to Colin walking with Mr. Craven, returning to the house from the garden.
  • The Epidemic and Departure from India

    A epidemic attacks India. Mary's parents die, and she is alone.
    Mary is sent to England to live with her uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor.
  • Arrival at Misselthwaite Manor and Initial Encounters

    Mary thinks the uncle's house was old, and lonely place.
    She meets Mrs. Medlock, the strict housekeeper, and Martha Sowerby, a housemaid.
  • Discovery of the Secret Garden's History

    Martha tells Mary about the secret garden, which was locked "ten years ago" after Mr. Craven's wife died.
  • Finding the Key and the Secret Door

    Mary spends time exploring the grounds and finds an buried key.
    She discovers a hidden door in a high wall covered in ivy and successfully opens it with the key, entering the lost secret garden.
  • Meeting Dickon and Starting the Garden's Revival

    Mary begins to work secretly in the overgrown garden.
    She meets Dickon, the brother of Martha, who is kind and likes nature. Dickon helps Mary to restore the garden, he brings seeds and tools.
  • Meeting Colin Craven

    Mary discovers her cousin, Colin Craven, who is the son of Mr. Craven. Colin is sickly, and believes he will die.
  • The Garden's Healing Power and Colin's Transformation

    Mary, Dickon, and Colin begin to visit the secret garden together, keeping their visits a secret. The fresh air, beauty and time together in the garden makes Colin's health get better. Colin attempts to stand and walk, eventually gaining strength and learning to run. The children believe in a special "magic" in the garden.
  • Mr. Craven's Return and the Big Surprise

    Mr. Craven, who has been traveling and remains deeply saddened by his past, returns to Misselthwaite Manor. He hears happy sounds from the direction of the secret garden and, sees a healthy, running boy.
  • Discovering the Mysterious Crying

    Mary often hears crying in the house at night. She investigates and follows the sound to a hidden room.
  • Sharing the Secret Garden with Colin

    Mary forms a unique connection with Colin and decides to tell him about the secret garden. Colin wants to see it.