At the close of a recent tour, a visitor commented on the ‘Whitewater’ redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Whitewater’) at the top of the rear garden. The variegated redbud with pendulous branching has been slow to catch on in the marketplace, but it’s been a favorite since I first saw a small block growing at a nursery in the North Carolina mountains (below).

In rich soil and with regular moisture, the foliage of the nursery-grown redbuds was nearly white, but in lesser conditions and half sun, the leaves are a mix of green and white. More white leaves will develop through the summer. Still, of all the redbuds I adore, it’s the best, so I was happy that someone else agreed.

Of course, I hardly care if others share my tastes. If they like it, great. If not, they can move on to the next plant, or the next garden. I understand that everyone will not like my style with many dozens of trees and fewer flowers.