# The Nest of the Missel Thrush explained — The Secret Garden

> Chapter companion for The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se/chapters/xi-the-nest-of-the-missel-thrush
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se/chapters