Pinus halepensis, myrtus communis.

Having touched upon one artist, I must mention one that I am far more fond of - my mother. Much of her work is inspired by beautiful wild places (especially the remote Isle of Jura), and thus it is no surprise that she is expressive in gardening as well. One of her paintings has a beautiful verse from Isaiah, and this is how I have come upon the next two plants.

'Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree...'

Pinus halepensis, Aleppo pine or Jerusalem pine.
(Evergreen tree.)

Planting: Spring.
Flowering: Spring, monoecious (both male & female flowers on a single plant.)
Aspect: Full sun.
Hardiness: Mediterranean plant, -10°C limit.

Notes: An Aleppo pine that inspired artist Paul Cézanne can still be found in his garden to this day.



'and instead of the briers, the myrtle will grow.'

Myrtus communis, common myrtle.
(Evergreen shrub.)

Planting: Late spring.
Flowering: Late summer.
Aspect: Full sun, south- or west-facing. Sheltered.
Hardiness: Protection required to flower.

Notes: Myrtle has been admired for centuries for its perceived virtues, especially as a force of love, masculinity, health - and even immortality. It is perhaps because of this that mirto is drunk in the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sicily.