The series is set in Los Angeles, and depicts the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home, along with their friends and lovers.
For the episode, Patricia Clarkson won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at the 54th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Nate (Peter Krause) consults with Rabbi Ari (Molly Parker), who is working on Shapiro's Jewish funeral, to talk over the concept of death.
Claire (Lauren Ambrose) visits Sarah (Patricia Clarkson) on the weekend of a big party, despite Ruth (Frances Conroy) opposing.
Bored with the lifestyle of Sarah's friends, Claire hangs out with a boy named Toby (Stark Sands), who does not want for their relationship to move past intimate.
"[4] Entertainment Weekly gave the episode an "A" grade, and wrote, "After the season's slow start, the characters' plotlines now begin humming, and everyone gets at least one great scene.
Case in point: Ruth singing along to her sister's tape of Joni Mitchell's ”Woodstock” is one of Six's most touching moments.
"[5] Mark Zimmer of Digitally Obsessed gave the episode a 2 out of 5 rating, writing "Every season has its low points, and Back to the Garden is unfortunately one of them.
In one of Six Feet Under's most haunting scenes, Ruth sings along to Sarah's Joni Mitchell cassette, opening Claire's eyes to who her mother truly is.
Even though “Back to the Garden” primarily features Nate and Brenda both trying to find themselves with other people outside their relationship and David getting close to a reunion with Keith, it's this small, hidden moment between daughter and mother that shows more than it tells.
"[10] For the episode, Patricia Clarkson received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series at the 54th Primetime Emmy Awards.