The Garden of Eden was designed as an arena for Man’s education. First, the Torah tells us about the beautiful trees that filled the Garden of Eden and only after that, tells of its food. The Torah is showing us the value of the aesthetic and appreciation for beauty.
It seems that Man is the only creature who has the ability to enjoy beauty and the order in nature.
Beauty, joy in harmony, can sensitize Man and serve as a stepping stone to find joy in the harmony of living a moral life. Man left to his own devices can grow to be wild. The animal side of Man can pull him to become brutal. Harmony and aesthetics can offset this.
Beraishis 2:9, Pages 57-58
