The orchid’s final blooms lasted into September, an unusually long run for our family’s favorite plant. Its showy flowers typically begin to bloom in March then wither and fall away by mid-July.

It performed something of an encore this summer, producing a second round of blossoms mid-season. It’s the first time that happened in the eight years it’s graced our household.

The only thing I can really say about that is “bravo!”