The mountains, deserts and valleys of the Holy Land are replete with wildflowers, plants and herbs, many of them mentioned in the Bible.
Plants and flowers are mentioned in the context of ritual obligations, agricultural and tithing laws, in terms of the decorative carving of the Tabernacle, and in terms of metaphor, particularly with regards to the relationship between God and man.
The verses below are just two examples out of many:
- "The wilderness and the desert will be glad, and the Arava will rejoice and blossom; Like the crocus it will blossom profusely, and rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, The majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, The majesty of our God."
- Isaiah 35:1-2
- "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."
- Song of Solomon 2:1
Many of the plants flourish in KKL-JNF forests and parks, which are lovingly nurtured by KKL-JNF staff and local communities, encouraging a diversity of plant-life.