This moment, suspended between winter and spring, is the perfect time of year to revisit Frances Hodgson Burnett’s springtime classic The Secret Garden. On my recent reread, I particularly appreciated the recurring idea of ‘coming alive’ in connection with springtime. As spring brings Yorkshire moors and gardens to life, Mary herself comes alive with them. Having spent nearly all her time over the past several weeks in the garden, Mary has been growing stronger and happier, and she is convinced that the garden is exactly what Colin needs as well. Upon seeing the secret garden in the full bloom of spring, Colin exclaims, “I shall get well!

Source: Daily Sun March 18, 2026 12:04 UTC