An enoyable read, such a familiar story, it felt like putting on a pair of really comfy socks. I loved this story as a child, and I'm re-reading my childhood favourites. I still love it, but I was surprised at the racism in the book, which, whilst I appreciate is of its time felt unnecessary, but it totally went over my head as a child. Great descriptions of the garden, and I loved my favourite character, Dickon, and his love of nature. Mary and Colin, the spoilt girl and sickly boy, and the positivity of the garden give a good message. Believing in yourself, practising, trying hard, and never giving up are the key messages of the book.