Thomas Smithers (Postlethwaite), who has made his fortune as an ironmonger and cannon-maker, hires the famous Meneer Chrome (McGregor) to create the most extravagant garden imaginable on his overgrown property. Smithers doesn't know that his wife's cousin Fitzmaurice (Grant) has already hired Chrome, with the goal of bankrupting Smithers and essentially acquiring Juliana, whom he loves.
Thomas Smithers (Postlethwaite), a wealthy merchant who has amassed his riches through iron trading and firearms manufacturing, commissions the renowned Meneer Chrome (McGregor) to create an opulent garden on his neglected estate. Unbeknownst to Smithers, his wife's relative Fitzmaurice (Grant) has already engaged Chrome with the intention of financially ruinizing Smithers and gaining control over Juliana, whom he is deeply enamored with.