THE SECRET GARDEN - NO. 43 MARY LENNOX
Among the cherished treasures in The Cosmo Cottage library are the timeless works of Frances Hodgson Burnett. Her 1911 masterpiece, The Secret Garden, has long been a source of inspiration and comfort, shaping not only our reading list but also the very essence of our home and garden design. Over the past three years, we have painstakingly renovated our Huntsville, Alabama property, creating gardens that echo the magic and serenity found in Burnett’s story. From the blooming beds to the kitchen garden nestled at the back, every inch was thoughtfully cultivated from bare soil, breathing new life and a sense of wonder into my tint family’s everyday surroundings. This photoshoot marks the inaugural chapter of a two-part narrative, deeply inspired by the timeless journey of No. 43 Mary Lennox in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. It captures the essence of a young girl, abandoned and misunderstood, much like Mary herself, who roams the shadowy corridors of Mistlethwaite Manor. Clad in her nightgown and worn garden boots—symbols of innocence clashing with newfound resilience—she embarks on a quiet odyssey of self-discovery.
Follow us on this very intentional, artistic interpretation of the young life of Mary, Mary quite contrary. Lovers of the book and the 1993 Warner Bros. motion picture applaud the detailed treasure hunt The Cosmo Cottage pieced together to show Huntsville, Alabama… how does our garden grow?
“You can have as much earth as you want,” he said. “You remind me of some one else who loved the earth and things that grow. When you see a bit of earth you want,” with something like a smile, “take it, child, and make it come alive.”
“At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can be done, then they see it can be done—then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.”
HAIR | MAKEUP | PHOTO | FLORAL | SET DESIGN - Varis Laurila
Much like Mary’s transformation from a sour, lonely child to one who embraces the healing power of nature, this visual story explores the introspective moments between the protagonist and the forgotten estate. The garden, locked away and forbidden, is more than just a physical space; it represents a sanctuary for growth and renewal, echoing Burnett’s portrayal of nature as a catalyst for emotional healing.
“In secret places we can think and imagine, we can feel angry or sad in peace. There is something to be said for just being, without worrying about offending anyone.”
The imagery evokes the same melancholy beauty found within The Secret Garden, where every flower and vine holds the promise of restoration. It’s a tribute to the subtle strength in vulnerability, the courage to seek out warmth and life in desolation, and the profound ways that tending to something fragile can nurture the spirit. Through this photoshoot, the garden’s enchantment is reborn, inviting viewers to reflect on their own paths toward comfort, growth, and self-acceptance.
“She made herself stronger by fighting with the wind.”
“Where you tend a rose, my lad, A thistle cannot grow.”
To my dearest Koa Karhu,
Your boundless imagination and heartfelt insight have been the true inspiration behind this project. When you saw Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden and thought of your mama, you reminded me of the quiet strength and wonder that lies within both of us. Like Mary, you have a spirit that transforms even the most hidden places into something full of life and hope.
This Fall Collection Photoshoot blooms from your vision—a celebration of growth, renewal, and the magic that happens when we nurture what’s inside us. Thank you for showing me the beauty of seeing the world with curious eyes and a courageous heart. Just as Mary found her garden and herself, may you always find your own secret gardens to tend and treasures to discover.
With all the love in my heart,
Mama
