The year is 1682. Sabine De Barra (Kate Winslet) is a strong-willed and talented landscape designer in the countryside of France. One day, an unexpected invitation comes: Sabine is in the running for an assignment at the court of King Louis XIV (Alan Rickman). Upon meeting with her, the King's renowned landscape artist Andre Le Notre (Matthias Schoenarts) begins to work with Sabine on the building of The Sun King's gardens at the Palace of Versailles.

While pushing herself and her workers to complete the Rockwork Grove, Sabine must negotiate the perilous rivalries and intricate etiquette of the court. As she challenges gender and class barriers, Sabine comes to terms with a tragedy in her past while convincing those around her of the value of "a little chaos" amidst a world steeped in order.