At the turn of the 20th century, Mary Lennox is a neglected and unloved 10-year-old girl, born in British India to wealthy British parents who never wanted her and made an effort to ignore the girl. She is cared for primarily by native servants, who allow her to become spoiled, demanding, and self-centered. After a cholera epidemic kills Mary's parents, the few surviving servants flee the house without Mary. Mary is sent to Misselthwaite Manor, on the Yorkshire moors, to live with her uncle. There she discovers her sickly cousin Colin, who is equally obnoxious and imperious. Both love no one because they have never been loved. Mary finds a secret garden and with Colin and the help of the gardener they bring it back to its former glory.