The Secret Garden: A Tale of Discovery

Many are familiar with "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924). I recall reading a Japanese adaptation as a child, but revisiting the original text left me taken aback.

What a shock! It contains elements of racism!

The narrative follows Mary, a girl born in India to British parents. After her parents succumb to cholera, she is sent to live with her wealthy uncle in Yorkshire, where she discovers a locked garden left by her deceased aunt.

The story includes outdated and derogatory portrayals of Indian culture—reflective of societal norms from 1911, which are now rightly criticized. However, the book also showcases many beautiful elements. For instance, Dickon, a boy from a modest Yorkshire family with profound knowledge of nature, wins the admiration of Mary and Colin, two privileged but neglected children.

Moreover, the vivid depictions of Yorkshire's natural beauty are enticing. Mary becomes enthralled by Dickon’s accent, imitating it enthusiastically. Ultimately, the characters’ deep appreciation for nature transforms Mary and Colin, leading them to reconnect with their sense of joy and companionship through gardening.

How to Explore the Secret Gardens

In the original tale, Mary needed to find a key and a hidden door to enter the secret garden, aided by a friendly robin, often seen as Britain’s national bird.

Today, anyone can discover London’s secret gardens by purchasing a ticket. Each year, the London Open Gardens event allows visitors to access over 100 gardens that are typically closed to the public. This year marked its 25th anniversary, celebrated on June 8th and 9th.

Bunhill Fields: Gardens Concealing History

Located just minutes from Old Street Station, Bunhill Fields is a renowned burial ground frequented by locals.

Among its notable sights is the grave of the English poet and artist William Blake (1757–1827). The headstone erected in 1927, a century after his passing, was relocated in the 1960s during cemetery renovations, meaning Blake is not buried beneath it.

A more fitting ledger stone was placed in 2018 at the actual burial site, adorned with flowers, showcasing the enduring affection of the locals.

As we wandered the grounds, whimsical puppeteers informed us that ticket holders for the London Open Gardens event are permitted access to the cemetery area, which is otherwise off-limits.

Visitors can partake in a guided 20-minute tour in small groups. The site boasts 2,333 gravestones and served as a nonconformist burial ground from 1665 to 1854, with an estimated 123,000 burials occurring there. Weathering has rendered most gravestone inscriptions illegible, leaving no additional records.

Do the deceased prefer the company of many visitors, like Blake, or would they rather rest quietly, forgotten? Or does it even matter?

Over the past 140 years, Bunhill Fields has been maintained by the City of London, with more than 130 trees planted, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds like blue tits and robins.

How many individuals have cared for this place over the years? Much like the secret garden in the book, which was initially the property of Mary’s uncle's wife and later tended to by the gardener Ben, many gardens across Britain carry stories of being lovingly nurtured through generations.

The Barbican Wildlife Garden: An Urban Oasis

The next two secret gardens are nestled near the Barbican Centre, a site that was abandoned after WWII bombings. The City of London constructed the centre as a 'gift to the nation' at a cost of £161 million, roughly equivalent to £500 million today.

Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, the centre includes residential units, theatres, concert halls, cinemas, exhibition spaces, libraries, and eateries, all designed in a distinctive Brutalist architectural style with a raw concrete appearance.

In 1970, the Barbican Wildlife Garden was established for residents, and in 2003, local community members joined its management.

The garden, rich in wildlife, offers a stark contrast to the modern architecture surrounding it.

The Barbican Wildlife Garden focuses on biodiversity, having recorded over 300 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. All organic waste, including dead branches, is composted on-site.

Those fortunate enough to have access to this tranquil garden find it hard to believe they are in central London. In "The Secret Garden," Mary and her friends also relished picnics in places others could not reach.

Visitors were invited to pick up cards featuring various poems to read at their leisure on benches around the garden. Dorothy Yamamoto, a poet of Japanese descent, curated Poet’s Corner, but sadly, we missed her as she was away that day.

The Golden Baggers: Gardens that Nourish

Our next destination is the Golden Lane Estate, where we discovered a small courtyard filled with plants.

Originally a neglected nursery playground, local community members have cultivated food here since 2010. In 2016, they constructed sturdy wooden crates, and now, 42 crates are used to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

A variety of produce, including Japanese cabbages, sparked my curiosity about the residents' backgrounds. I also encountered yellow raspberries for the first time!

To promote pollination, a biodiversity garden was established to provide a habitat for insects and other species.

In "The Secret Garden," Ben the gardener expresses a desire to grow vegetables like potatoes if he had his own garden. Gardens are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as essential spaces for cultivating food.

Royal College of Physicians’ Medicinal Garden: Gardens as Sources of Healing

This garden is particularly noteworthy. Founded by Henry VIII in 1518, the Royal College of Physicians is England's oldest membership organization, primarily responsible for doctor accreditation through examination.

The college is also celebrated for its extensive book collection, which includes texts predating the 16th century, along with various medical artifacts. Many exhibits are unusual, including a collection of nipple protectors, which I will discuss in a future article.

The medicinal garden is supervised by a senior physician from the Royal College.

Over 1,100 plants are cultivated here, all with medicinal connections. Herbs have long served as remedies in various cultures; for instance, certain Chinese herbs are still prescribed in Japanese hospitals, and many herbal supplements are readily available in Europe.

According to the physician, plants produce toxins to deter consumption by animals, birds, and insects. When used appropriately, these plant toxins can yield medicinal benefits. Therefore, the potential for plants to serve as medicines is far greater than currently recognized.

However, determining the correct dosage is complex. Variations in environmental conditions can cause different concentrations of toxins in the same species, and prolonged consumption could lead to unforeseen side effects. Extensive clinical testing is often required to establish clear cause-and-effect relationships between herbs and their side effects.

Synthetic medications tend to be more stable and easier to test. While this field is intriguing, there is limited new research. Traditional herbs have proven reliable over centuries, but experimenting with new herbs can carry significant risks.

Nonetheless, every plant holds the possibility of contributing to future healthcare advancements. Gardens also play a crucial role in preserving diverse species for future generations.

In Conclusion: Ian Berry's The Secret Garden—A Connection Among People

Our final garden is a remarkable art installation located at the Garden Museum.

Situated about a 15-minute stroll from Big Ben, the Garden Museum remains largely unknown to tourists. It features captivating exhibitions, lectures, and events that appeal to gardening enthusiasts, along with a delightful café frequented by Londoners.

I was eager to see an artwork named 'The Secret Garden,' crafted entirely from recycled denim. Upon closer inspection, I was amazed to realize every element was made from denim! The intricate design resonated with me, particularly as blue is my favorite color, making me feel as if I were stepping into a dream.

As luck would have it, I encountered the artist Ian Berry, who was being interviewed by museum staff. Clad in denim, he looked fantastic!

Mr. Berry hails from Huddersfield, a former textile town in West Yorkshire, and currently resides in East London. Denim, once a durable work fabric, has transformed into a trendy urban staple, paralleling his own journey.

When I inquired why he named his piece "The Secret Garden," he shared: “It began as a small project using my old jeans. It was a secret garden that few knew about. However, I’ve since exhibited in Sweden, New York, and beyond, so it’s not so secret anymore.” He chuckled, adding, “But this is an English garden that surprises people, so in that sense, I might be recreating the secret garden from the novel.”

“Is there a connection between The Secret Garden and Asia?” I asked, not expecting much. To my surprise, he responded, “Absolutely! Japan, in particular, has inspired me greatly!” He expressed his admiration for quality Japanese denim, confirming that early in his career, he adopted the name 'Denimu,' reflecting the Japanese pronunciation of denim.

“I also incorporated Japanese elements into my work. Look at the koi in the pond,” he pointed out. “Oh, it’s true! So this is an English-Japanese garden?” I replied. “Yes, indeed!”

The koi seemed almost lifelike, and the water's surface gave the impression that I could dip my hand in. It was astonishing to realize that everything was crafted from recycled denim, resembling a photograph or an oil painting.

I regretted not wearing a denim kimono, but the heat of the day led me to choose a white and blue yukata. An African staff member named Mr. Ebi, who was interviewing Mr. Berry, kindly took my photograph and surprised me by speaking fluent Japanese, having studied in Tokyo before pursuing his passion for gardening.

Mr. Berry gestured around the pond, stating, “It would be lovely to have cherry blossoms here.” The three of us—Mr. Berry, Mr. Ebi, and I—shared a moment of collective imagination, picturing a vibrant blue cherry tree flourishing in the empty space. “Amazing,” I remarked, moved by the moment.

In that instant, the discomfort I had felt regarding the racist depictions in "The Secret Garden" began to dissipate.

While I acknowledge that racism still exists today, I clearly realized that the version of "The Secret Garden" from 1911 is no longer the reality. Instead, the "Secret Garden" of 2024 is alive and tangible, filled with friendships blossoming among diverse individuals who have been nurturing this country’s soil for generations.

In this narrative, Mr. Berry might represent Dickon, the imaginative gardener; Mr. Ebi could embody Ben, the diligent caretaker (though much younger and more amiable); and I may be seen as Mary, the adventurous girl from Asia. Regardless, akin to the garden in the novel that drew different characters together, we found ourselves united through the magic of "The Secret Garden."

This journey led me to my dream garden, where I spent a blissful time admiring the blue koi swimming beneath the blue water lilies in the pond.

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