Young Tom Long, quarantined away from his sick brother, goes to live for the
summer with his Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan. Though good intentioned, Tom's Aunt
and Uncle have little experience in dealing with a growing boy and Tom finds
himself dreading the coming months in their care. The apartment, in a big
rambling house, is grim and dull and to make matters worth, there's no garden
in which to play But something incredible happens to change Tom's summer and his
life. One night, as Tom lies in bed, the old grandfather clock in the
downstairs hall strikes - thirteen!
Tom investigates this mysterious occurrence and discovers that a magical
transformation has taken place. Outside, where during the day there is nothing
but a yard with old cars and rubbish, is now a spacious, inviting, fantastic
garden. Each night Tom explores the garden and its mysteries. And nothing is
more mysterious than Hatty, the young girl Tom meets there. Tom and Hatty form
an intense bond, but ultimately, although Tom remains the same age in the
garden, Hatty grows older, and more distant from Tom. Tom's desperate attempts
to keep his relationship with Hatty cause him to becomes trapped in the past.
After a series of adventures, Tom returns to the present. But there is one more
discovery left to make - the identity of the old woman who lives in the
apartment above his Uncle and Aunt.
