The Secret Garden · Chapter
The Nest of the Missel Thrush explained
Dickon and Mary explore the secret garden together, discovering that many of the seemingly dead plants are still alive.
What happens
Dickon and Mary explore the secret garden together, discovering that many of the seemingly dead plants are still alive. Dickon teaches Mary how to identify living wood and how to care for the garden. They work together clearing dead wood and planting seeds, and Mary shares the nursery rhyme about 'Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary.' Dickon agrees to come every day to help revive the garden, and Mary realizes she now likes five people, including Dickon.
Themes in this chapter
Healing Power of Nature
The garden's revival mirrors Mary's own physical and emotional growth; working in the earth and fresh air makes her stronger and happier.
Transformation and Growth
Both the garden and Mary are beginning to transform—dead wood gives way to new life, and Mary learns to care for living things and form friendships.
Friendship and Connection
Mary and Dickon form a deep bond through their shared work in the garden, and Mary counts Dickon as the fifth person she likes.
Characters to notice
- Mary Lennox
Works eagerly in the garden with Dickon, learning to identify living wood and planting seeds. She shares the 'Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary' rhyme and asks Dickon if he likes her.
- Dickon Sowerby
Shows Mary how to prune dead wood and identify living plants. He is knowledgeable about gardening and nature, and agrees to come every day to help revive the secret garden.
- Martha Sowerby
Mentioned as having told Dickon about the secret garden and as one of the five people Mary likes.
- Ben Weatherstaff
Mentioned as one of the five people Mary likes.
- Mrs. Sowerby
Mentioned as one of the five people Mary likes and as the one who packs Dickon's lunch.
Key passages
“I never thought I'd see this place.”
Dickon expresses wonder at finally seeing the secret garden.
Dickon's awe at entering the hidden garden for the first time.
“It's as wick as you or me.”
Dickon says the shoot is as alive as Mary or himself.
Dickon uses Yorkshire dialect to explain that the plant is alive.
“Mistress Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells, And marigolds all in a row.”
Mary recalls the nursery rhyme that Basil used to tease her with.
Mary shares the rhyme that inspired her to ask about bell-shaped flowers.
“Does tha' like me?”
Mary asks Dickon if he likes her, using Yorkshire dialect.
Mary's vulnerable question marks a turning point in her ability to form connections.