The Arboretum's Swale garden was started in 1987. Sandy Bayne was the primary designer. This area was originally a drainage ditch and is located near the Taylor Road entrance extending southeast to a massive stand of gray dogwood (Cornus racemes.) At this end of the garden, a beautiful wooden foot bridge spans the width of the swale. White flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) planted at its sides invite the visitor to cross the bridge and explore the rest of the garden. In designing the garden, native plants (mostly shrubs) were introduced to create a natural habitat, protective cover, and travel corridors for wildlife. The plant's flowers, fruit, and texture create a restful, natural setting highlighted by both yellow and purple iris and white shrub roses. Some of the plants include Clethra alnifolia, Ilex glabra, and several Rosa species. Additional hardy roses were incorporated into the plantings in 1995.