Are often mentioned in Scripture, though in a sense somewhat peculiar; for in the language of the Hebrews, every place where plants and trees were cultivated with greater care than in the open field, was called a garden. Fruit and shade trees, with aromatic shrubs, sometimes constituted the garden; though roses, lilies, and various gardens were used only for table vegetables, Genesis 2:8-10 15:1-21 1 Kings 21:2 Ecclesiastes 2:5,6. They were located if possible beside a river or fountain, Genesis 13:10 Numbers 24:6. In other places reservoirs were provided, from which the water was distributed in various ways, as occasion required, Proverbs 21:1 Song of Solomon 4:12-16 Isaiah 58:11. Gardens were inclosed by walls, or by hedges of rose bushes, wild pomegranate trees, or to her shrubs, many of which in Palestine have long and sharp thorns, 2 Samuel 23:6,7 Job 1:10 Proverbs 15:19 Hosea 2:6. Often, however, they were left unenclosed, and were watched when their fruits began to ripen, Isaiah 1:8 Jeremiah 4:16,17. It is still customary in Egypt, Arabia, and Hindostan, to plant a large level tract with melons, cucumbers, etc., and place a small hut or booth on a mound in the center. In this a solitary keeper is stationed, who remains day and night until the fruits are gathered, Job 27:18 Isaiah 1:8. Gardens and groves were often furnished with pavilions, seats, etc., and were resorted to for banqueting and mirth, Isaiah 51:3; for retirement and meditation, John 18:1; for devotional purposes, Matthew 26:30 John 1:48 18:1,2; and for idolatrous abominations, 1 Kings 14:23 Isaiah 1:29 65:3 66:17 Jeremiah 2:20 3:6. A family tomb was often prepared in a garden, John 19:41.

Mentioned in Scripture, of Eden (Genesis 2:8,9); Ahab's garden of herbs (1 Kings 21:2); the royal garden (2 Kings 21:18); the royal garden at Susa (Esther 1:5); the garden of Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:41); of Gethsemane (John 18:1).

The "king's garden" mentioned 2 Kings 25:4, Nehemiah 3:15, was near the Pool of Siloam.

Gardens were surrounded by hedges of thorns (Isaiah 5:5) or by walls of stone (Proverbs 24:31). "Watch-towers" or "lodges" were also built in them (Isaiah 1:8; Mark 12:1), in which their keepers sat. On account of their retirement they were frequently used as places for secret prayer and communion with God (Genesis 24:63; Matthew 26:30-36; John 1:48; 18:1,2). The dead were sometimes buried in gardens (Genesis 23:19,20; 2Kings 21:18,26; 1 Samuel 25:1; Mark 15:46; John 19:41). (See PARADISE .)