For many years, Dorothy Watson and Agnes Fogerty have taught in the school at Thrush Green, so their imminent retirement provokes rumour and speculation. Who will take Miss Watson's place as head teacher? As for replacing little Miss Fogerty, it seems impossible to imagine.

There are other issues too. Will Winnie Bailey's eccentric nephew move into the school house? Who is the strange young man lurking outside The Fuchsia Bush? And what will become of Miss Fogerty's stray cat?

The changing seasons reflect the changing face of Thrush Green as old and new friends learn to live happily together.