The story is about a young girl named Mary Lennox, who is sent to live with her uncle in England after her parents die of cholera in India. Mary is a lonely and unhappy child, but she begins to discover the beauty and magic of life when she stumbles upon a secret garden that has been locked up for years.In the story, Mary becomes friends with Dickon, a local boy who has a deep love and understanding of nature. Together, they begin to tend to the garden and bring it back to life, discovering its hidden secrets along the way. Mary also befriends her cousin Colin, who has been confined to his room his entire life due to a mysterious illness. With Mary's help and encouragement, Colin begins to regain his strength and joy for life.