In the book, Seedfolks, how does the garden change Sae Young?

The character, Sae Young, has had a pretty difficult life since moving to Cleveland from Korea.  She works in a dry cleaning business her family owns, and is basically happy until her husband dies of a heart attack. Sae Young is also robbed one day and beaten by the man who robs her.  These events cause Sae Young to disappear into her apartment and not come out or talk with many people for two years. ...

The character, Sae Young, has had a pretty difficult life since moving to Cleveland from Korea.  She works in a dry cleaning business her family owns, and is basically happy until her husband dies of a heart attack. Sae Young is also robbed one day and beaten by the man who robs her.  These events cause Sae Young to disappear into her apartment and not come out or talk with many people for two years.  When she sees Kim picking lima beans one day, she begins to venture out of her isolation.  Eventually, Sae Young plants hot peppers she remembers from Korea and slowly joins the group of gardeners.  Sam really brings her out of her shell when he begins to talk to her about collecting rainwater to water the garden. 

The garden changes Sae Young by giving her purpose and lifting her spirits.  Metaphorically, she begins to bloom and grow again much like the garden.  She learns to overcome her grief and start living again because of the friendships she makes with the other gardeners on Gibb St.