White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus ‘Emerald Knight‘)
The Emerald Knight White Fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus ‘Emerald Knight‘, is a cultivar of our native White Fringetree known for its upright form and incredible floral display. In the early spring its fragrant white blooms are stunning, attracting a wide variety of bees and moths, including sphinx moths. In the landscape this is a small tree which will reach fifteen to twenty five feet in height with a slightly smaller spread. It is hardy from USDA zones 3 to 9 and is known as one of the best small trees for sun or light shade on almost any property.
Mindy Anne Stebner
Mindy was a most beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend to so many. As a lovely, vivacious teenager, she displayed compassion and kindness beyond her years; and the sort of mischievous spirit one might expect from someone with so much vivacity. Mindy loved music, and was on her way to becoming a drummer. Mindy had an artistic soul, and while not particularly scholastic, was a good writer. She had a great interest in theater arts – and as her mother, I can attest she was a very good actress. She was loving, never missing an opportunity to give me a hug. She wanted to save every stray pet, and would exclaim at the sweetness of seeing an older couple in the neighborhood holding hands. She made a lasting impact on so many.
Her life was cut too short by a sudden asthmatic attack that caused anoxia. Though her death occurred many years ago (1993) at the age of 14, every butterfly and beautiful flowering tree still brings Mindy to mind. She embodied that free spirit. Her sister says, “Mindy was the most open-hearted, fun-loving best friend in the world. At only 13 months apart, our lives were inseparable from the moment she was born. We were as close as two sisters can be, and she is terribly missed.” As her ninth-grade English teacher wrote: “Mindy accepted everyone in a very special and personal way – that made Mindy accessible to us all. I had the great pleasure in early fall to watch Mindy playing on the hill behind the school. She was spinning in the sunshine with a friend, spinning like children at play. So free. We will all miss her.” It is thinking of Mindy with the sun shining on her, and the wind blowing her hair, that makes dedicating this particular tree so special to us.
May you find comfort in visiting the gardens, appreciating the miracles that are the trees and the miracles that are our loved ones – whether here on earth or in heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
