Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849 – 1924), author of one of my childhood favorites, The Secret Garden, had a life-long fascination with gardens. It began in her early years in Manchester, England, where she fondly remembered her home as the “back garden of Eden.” However, following her father’s death and ensuing financial hardships, her family moved to Tennessee, where Frances found a new “Garden of Eden” in the rural American landscape.
At age 18, she began writing short stories, hoping to boost her family’s income.
None of her stories were rejected; she continued to write and her writing career took off. Frances eventually became one of the highest-paid writers in America. Her success funded travels, houses in both England and America, and eventually a home on Long Island with extensive gardens that became her creative retreats.
Throughout her life, she turned to writing and gardening for comfort, especially after tragic personal losses. For Frances, gardens were always a place of solace and healing, much like the transformative garden in The Secret Garden. Near the end of her life, she wrote an article titled “In the Garden,” echoing her belief in the restorative power of nature, which she viewed as essential for health and renewal. This article was published after her death and ends with words that have come to symbolize her life’s work: “As long as one has a garden one has a future, and as long as one has a future one is alive.”
Gladly shared by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& garden-restoration advocate)
Perhaps you are in need of some refreshment and restoration? A “secret garden” could be just the thing to revive your health and restore your spirit. Talk to us: 717-653-1273! We’d love to be part of the inspiration, follow-through, and joy-filled “dream come true”.
