A rain garden presents a changing surface of vibrant and subtle seasonal colors and leafy textures through a combination of native and naturalized ornamental trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, perennials, and groundcovers. Trees in the garden cool the temperature of the water and reduce the likelihood of thermal pollution, while the garden also provides food and habitat for many kinds of wildlife. Beneath the surface, a rain garden is designed to capture the initial flow of storm water run-off from adjacent parking lots, sidewalks, roofs, and other hard surfaces, allowing it to infiltrate slowly through soil layers and plant root systems so pollutants can be absorbed, retained, and removed from the storm water. The water then infiltrates into the soil as clean ground water or is released into the storm water drainage system, eventually reaching a nearby stream or river. Plants highlighted here include the Paw Paw tree, whose inner bark was used by Native American Indians and nearby early settlers for ropes, fishing nets, and mats, and whose fruit was favored by George Washington and planted by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello in Virginia; the Swamp Rose, a flowering shrub of streambanks, bogs, and swamps whose flowers provide nectar and whose red rose hips are eaten by wildlife; and the Blue Flag Iris, a perennial of the Northeastern United States with showy deep blue or purple flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other native pollinators.