Virg, I don't know if you remember that me, but you and I exchanged emails back when you first started contemplating this quilt. I think you have an excellent plan going, and I think the white will work fine.
I have a green quilt to share with you. I just finished it for a friend in Maryland...made to order. She wanted all green with a leaf fabric and she wanted a puzzle quilt pattern that I had made before. It is her 65th birthday present.
It made me think of your quilt idea search, and, I wanted to send you a picture of it. I had no idea I would be making a green quilt when we talked before. Funny how things work out!
Dina