A rich botanical collection of exotic and rare plants forms the image of an ideal, fragrant garden. The unique combination of these fine spices creates a perfect blend whose sweet scent travels across great distances. The primary approach among commentators is that this garden contains the highest quality of spices, largely mirroring the exact ingredients used to prepare the incense in the Temple [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The choicest of these extracts are highlighted for their superior quality [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].
Certain plants in this garden, like spikenard and saffron, have retained their ancient names throughout history [תורה תמימה]. The calamus is specifically the fragrant spice-cane [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ, תורה תמימה]. Cinnamon grew with such abundance in the land of Israel that shepherds did not mind when goats and deer grazed upon it. Alternatively, this reflects the remarkable size of the local animals, which could reach the tops of the tall cinnamon trees [תורה תמימה]. Myrrh is noted for being blended with other fragrances [תורה תמימה]. Aloes are fragrant spice trees [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ], and their Hebrew name is derived from the word for "tent." This is either because their powerful scent would spread and penetrate into dwellings, or because people would intentionally grow them inside tents to trap and enjoy their concentrated aroma [תורה תמימה].
Beyond the physical garden, the far-reaching fragrance serves as a metaphor for the widespread praise of the Israelites [מצודת דוד]. The concept of a mixture and a collective is deeply significant. Just as blending physical spices produces a scent that delights the senses, combining good character traits with intellectual achievements creates a state of spiritual perfection that is pleasing to the mind [רלב״ג]. The arrangement of the plants also reveals a spiritual progression. Some spices, like spikenard, saffron, and frankincense trees, represent the finest character traits of the present time. In contrast, myrrh, aloes, and the chief spices symbolize a much higher and more significant spiritual level that will only be revealed in the future [צרור המור].
On a historical level, these varied spices are compared to the righteous kings of Judah who dedicated themselves to spreading faith. Spikenard and saffron represent King Asa, who made great efforts to educate the people. Myrrh and aloes symbolize King Jehoshaphat, who guided the nation back to God. The lingering fragrance of their good deeds served as a merit for them, ultimately transforming their difficult wars into sources of wealth and honor [ספורנו].