Most Texans are familiar with the crape myrtle, a hearty plant that thrives in our climate. Crape myrtles come in many lively colors. The camera allows us a closer look at the delicate ruffled blooms.

We chose two crape myrtles to plant in Painter's Field at Cactus Hill as our tribute to Ed's daughter Annie. One plant produces delicate pink blossoms, and the other a brilliant magenta. These colors were Annie's passion when she was a kid—the pink-and-purple phase of so many girls.