Palm, Oak, and Bays

These trees symbolize the praise that actions can receive within society. Each of these trees were used as crowns for very accomplished individuals throughout the ancient world, and thus symbolically represent victory and achievement. In "The Garden," they thus imply the inferiority of any worldly achievement, because they are obviously (to the speaker) less valuable than the multiple trees present in the garden.

White and Red

"White and red" symbolizes feminine beauty. These colors were often used in Renaissance poetry to denote women's complexions, one of the primary beauty standards of the time. The white refers to pale skin, while the red refers to a coy blush. Marvell contrasts them unfavorably to the beauty of green trees.

Names in Trees

Names carved into trees symbolize the act of courtship. This tradition, still practiced today, stands in for the much broader set of traditions...