Cedar of Lebanon -- Cedrus libani

Psalm 92:12 says the righteous will flourish like a cedar in Lebanon. It needs a mild climate to grow. Substitute a species hardy in your geographical region if you desire to represent this tree in your Bible landscape.

Cultivation: Plant in a well drained soil. It is hard to -20°F.

Chestnut (Plane) Tree -- Platanus orientalis

Jacob used rods of chestnut in Genesis 30:37. Botanists believe this is the tree being used. It is used even today throughout the Mediterranean area as an ornamental tree.

Cultivation: This species is only hardy to 0°F. Use one of the hardy species if your area has lower temperatures in the winter. Another name for this tree is Sycamore. It does well as a street plant. Buy a male variety if you want to avoid the spiny fruits being dropped all over the road or your property.

Fir Tree -- Pinus halepensis

Pine trees, called fir trees by writers of scripture, were common in the Holy Lands. They were viewed as a symbol of nobility. Isaiah 37:24 talks about the "choice fir trees."

Cultivation: Pick a pine tree hardy to your region if you wish to have this tree represented in your landscape. Pine trees are quite tolerant of poor soil, windy exposures, and city conditions. Check with your local nursery for the most suitable species for your geographical region.

Grapes - Vitis vinifera

Many Bible passages mention grapes and vineyards. Jesus compared himself to a grape vine in John 15: 1-6. His listeners understood the analogy well because of their familiarity with the care of grape vines.

Cultivation: Contact an expert in growing grapes and follow their instructions for best results.

Myrtle -- Myrtus communis

Zechariah 1:7-8 records the Lord as standing among the myrtle trees. There is little debate among botanists that this is the tree we still call the myrtle tree. It is used for its sweet smelling leaves.

Cultivation: Myrtle is an excellent shrub for warm climates. It is hardy to 20°F. Fertilize it with supplemental iron to avoid iron chlorosis (yellowing of leaves). Although requiring a Mediterranean climate to grow year-round, it can be container grown and over wintered inside.

Russian Olive (Oleaster) -- Elaeagnus angustifolia

Bible scholars believe this is the oil tree mentioned in Isaiah 41:19. Others say it is the olive wood used in the Temple mentioned in I Kings 6:23, 31-33. The fruit was ground and made into cakes by the Arabs. This shrub can tolerate cold climates down to about -10°F.

Cultivation: Russian olive prefers a sandy loam. The plant's roots fixes nitrogen so it is beneficial to soils with low nitrogen levels. The tree prefers a high pH. This tree is susceptible to several wilts, galls, and other diseases.