squirrel

The squirrels, Nut and Shell, are two tame squirrels brought by Dickon Sowerby to the secret garden, where they become constant companions to the children and living symbols of the garden's reawakening. They are first introduced when Dickon arrives one morning with the fox cub Captain and the rook Soot, and he produces the two squirrels from his pockets, naming one Nut and the other Shell. When Dickon says "Nut," one squirrel leaps onto his right shoulder, and when he says "Shell," the other jumps onto his left shoulder, demonstrating the immediate, obedient trust that Dickon's animal-charming nature inspires. Their presence deepens the sense of enchantment that pervades the garden, as they join the other creatures in a harmonious circle around the children.

Role in the Garden's Life

Nut and Shell are not merely decorative additions; they actively participate in the daily life of the secret garden. During the children's work sessions, the squirrels scamper about, exploring the trees and bushes, and they often perch on Dickon's shoulders or scamper down tree trunks to investigate what Mary and Colin are doing. On one occasion, when Mary and Dickon sit under an apple tree, Nut actually creeps onto Mary's dress, and Shell scrambles down the trunk of the same tree to stay near them, looking at Mary with inquiring eyes. This behavior shows that the squirrels, like all of Dickon's creatures, have accepted Mary and Colin as part of their world, unafraid and curious. They also join the children during their meals in the garden, whisking up trees with pieces of cake, a detail that underscores how the garden has become a place where human and animal life intermingle freely.

Connection to the Magic

Nut and Shell are integral to the "Magic" that Colin comes to believe in. When Colin, Mary, Dickon, and Ben Weatherstaff sit in a cross-legged circle under the plum tree to perform their incantations, the creatures draw near of their own accord, settling into places of rest as if they understand the ceremony. The squirrels, along with the crow, the fox, and the lamb, become part of the circle, and Colin gravely notes that "the 'creatures' have come" and that "they want to help us." This moment elevates Nut and Shell from mere pets to participants in a quasi-spiritual ritual, reinforcing the idea that the garden's magic is a force that connects all living things. Their presence also provides a tangible, joyful contrast to the isolation and fear that once defined Colin's life, as he now has a world of living creatures to observe and care for.

Significance as Symbols

Nut and Shell, like the other animals Dickon brings, represent the trust and vitality that the secret garden restores. They are creatures that have been tamed not through force but through friendship, mirroring the way Mary and Colin themselves are gradually tamed by the garden's influence. The squirrels' easy familiarity with the children—hopping onto shoulders, accepting food, and staying close during quiet moments—embodies the garden's central theme: that life, health, and joy return when one opens oneself to the natural world. Their presence also reinforces Dickon's role as a bridge between the human and the wild, a boy who can speak to animals and who teaches the other children to do the same. In the broader narrative, Nut and Shell are small but vivid proof that the garden is not just a place of plants and flowers but a complete, living ecosystem where every creature has its place and purpose.