Mary wakes up to a new day and meets Martha, a young housemaid. As they talk, Mary starts to learn about the moor and the gardens surrounding the house. Martha tells Mary about her brother Dickon, who has a special connection with the animals on the moor. Mary becomes curious about the locked garden and its mysterious history. 

She explores the other gardens and meets Ben Weatherstaff, an old gardener, who tells her more about the robin redbreast that has taken a liking to her. Mary's curiosity about the locked garden grows, but Ben tells her there is no door to be found. Mary begins a friendship with the little bird, and starts to feel less lonely and becomes determined to find the entrance to the secret garden.