A WOMAN was standing, overseeing several gardeners who were nurturing grass and decorative plants. The plants fascinated her: several rare species of vegetation, flowers, and carpets of grass. After going back and forth on the muddy path, her sandals grew thick with clinging earth. On that afternoon, she wore black pants and a T-shirt with brightly colored floral motifs. Surrounded by trees, the woman looked fit for her 57 years.

The 21-inc