Cushion : Mary in Secret Garden

EDITORS COMMENTS

This enchanting photograph captures the moment when Mary Lennox, the protagonist of Frances Hodgson Burnett's timeless novel "The Secret Garden" (published in 1911), first sets foot in the hidden and overgrown gardens of Misselthwaite Manor. The year is 1911, and Mary, having been sent to live with her uncle Archibald Craven in the English countryside following the death of her parents, is restless and lonely. As she wanders the vast grounds of the manor, she stumbles upon a hidden garden, long neglected and shrouded in mystery. The history of Misselthwaite Manor and its gardens is rich and complex. Built in the late 16th century, the manor has passed through the hands of various noble families over the centuries, each leaving their mark on the estate. The gardens, once a source of pride and beauty, had fallen into disrepair following the death of Mary's aunt, Lily Craven. As Mary explores the gardens, she discovers the joys of nature and the healing power of nurturing and caring for living things. With the help of her new friend Dickon, a local boy, she sets about restoring the gardens to their former glory. The photograph captures the sense of wonder and discovery that Mary experiences as she uncovers the hidden treasures of the Secret Garden. This image, from Mary Evans Prints Online, is a beautiful reminder of the magic and mystery that can be found in even the most unexpected places. The historical setting of the photograph transports us back in time, allowing us to share in Mary's journey of self-discovery and the rejuvenation of the gardens at Misselthwaite Manor.