Recently widowed, Marion Thomas soon becomes fond of her new neighbour's disabled son, Eddie, while she is working with him to create a herb garden out of a patch of waste land. Her life changes dramatically as she gets to know Eddie's father, Mike Lodge, who runs the garden centre at Greystones with his girlfriend, Jess. Marion's own family and her long-time admirer, Robert, all become involved in the conflicts that arise out of Marion's employment at Greytones, and play a major role in her growth towards independence and ultimate happiness. But it is the herb garden itself that is the source of new hope and stimulation to all those who work in it.