The Secret as a Bond

Examines how the shared secret of the garden creates and strengthens relationships among the characters.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Mary's First Secret

Mary's First Secret A Private World Mary decides to keep the garden a secret. It is her first possession, something that belongs only to her. The secret gives her power and joy. The Weight of Secrecy She must be careful not to reveal it. This requires self-control, a new skill for Mary. The secret teaches her responsibility. The Desire to Share Despite her initial selfishness, Mary soon wants to share the secret. She tells Dickon because she trusts him. Sharing deepens their bond.

Including Dickon

Including Dickon A Test of Trust Mary hesitates to tell Dickon, but his trustworthiness is evident. She shares the secret, and he accepts it without question. This creates an instant bond. A Shared Mission Dickon becomes her partner in reviving the garden. They work together in secret, strengthening their friendship. The secret is the foundation of their collaboration. The Missel Thrush Note Dickon leaves a note with a picture of a missel thrush on a nest, promising to return. The secret is now a language between them.

Telling Colin

Telling Colin A Difficult Decision Mary is afraid to tell Colin because he might spoil the secret. But after their quarrel and reconciliation, she feels he deserves to know. The Power of Trust When Mary reveals that she has already been inside the garden, Colin is not angry but thrilled. Her trust in him deepens their friendship. A Three-Way Secret Now the secret is shared among three. Each child is bound to the others by the promise of secrecy. The garden becomes their shared sanctuary.

Including Ben Weatherstaff

Including Ben Weatherstaff An Unwilling Confidant Ben Weatherstaff discovers the children in the garden and is angry. But Colin asserts his authority and makes Ben part of the secret. Ben's loyalty to Lilias makes him accept. A Reluctant Ally Ben becomes a valuable ally. He has secretly tended the garden for years. His inclusion enriches the secret with history and continuity. The Circle Expands The secret now includes an adult. This expands the circle of trust. Ben's presence legitimizes the children's activities.

Susan Sowerby's Inclusion

Susan Sowerby's Inclusion Trusting Mother Dickon tells his mother about the garden. She is immediately trusted because of her wisdom and kindness. She becomes a maternal figure to Mary and Colin. The Letter to Mr. Craven Susan uses her knowledge of the secret to write to Mr. Craven. Her intervention brings about the final resolution. The secret is now a tool for healing the family. The Secret Becomes Open When Mr. Craven returns, the secret is finally revealed. The bond that the secret created among the children and their allies has served its purpose. The garden is no longer a secret, but the relationships endure.

when Mary enters the garden alone

when Mary meets Dickon

after Colin's tantrum

after Ben discovers them

near the end of the story