The Secret Garden is a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It was initially published in serial format starting in autumn 1910; the book was first published in its entirety in 1911. Its working title was Mistress Mary, in reference to the English nursery rhyme Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. It is now one of Burnett's most popular novels, and is considered to be a classic of children's literature. The garden is the book's central symbol, inspired by Burnett's interest in Mary Baker Eddy's Christian Science theories. The secret garden at Misselthwaite Manor is the site of both the near-destruction and the subsequent regeneration of a family. Using the garden motif, Burnett explores the healing power inherent in living things. Maytham Hall in Kent, England, where Burnett lived for a number of years during her marriage is often cited as the inspiration for the book's setting. Burnett kept an extensive garden, including an impressive rose garden. However, it has been noted that besides the garden, Maytham Hall and Misselthwaite Manor are physically very different.

失去双亲的玛丽•伦诺克斯被送到米瑟斯韦特庄园和她姑父克雷文先生一起生活。克雷文先生丧偶十年来一直脾气乖戾，封锁了爱妻当年辛苦培植照料的花园，不愿再付出爱与关心。他不敢敞开心胸面对初来乍到的玛丽，甚至对他的亲生儿子也很冷漠。玛丽与小伙伴们一起躲过女管家的监管到花园里玩耍，也从生生不息的大自然学到了许多。远游的姑夫返家后发现儿子会站立行走了，娇贵倔强的玛丽会伤感落泪了......