THIS FINE AFTERNOON I WATERED AND FERTILIZED MY ORCHIDS. Which, when they are not blooming as through the winter, is a little bit harder to remember. But we try our best, mindful that a little care in the warm months—taking a bit of time and attention away from the bonsai forest—will result in much loved color and brightness in the cold, dark months. And you know, as I tended them, each orchid actually sighed and smiled and grew a sixteenth of an inch. Or more. I’m quite sure of it. You believe me, don’t you? Flowers and trees never lie, and neither do those who tend then. Valorous and virtuous, 100 percent.