No doubt there are certain reported health benefits to a little dark chocolate now and then, but maybe this year, an alternative is in order for your loved one.

Here’s a short list of good ones:

*A potted plant – pots of Boston fern, rosemary, African violets, orchids and sweet bay can last a long time if properly cared for and keep the sentiment alive.

*A gift certificate to an upcoming gardening class.  Our office is hosting one on April 4^th, featuring presentations on perennials, lawn care and vegetables.

*A garden journal for the upcoming season.  Our Master Gardeners have produced a fabulous one for the eastern Nebraska region.  They’re available at our office, 8015 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE for $15.

*After a quick look at the garage or potting shed, restocking tools and items with a shelf life such as new gardening gloves, kneeling pad, hose nozzle or trowel.

*Seeds for the veggie and flower garden.  See the All America Selection Winners web page https://all-americaselections.org/winners/ for ideas.

John Fech

Horticulture Extension Educator at Nebraska Extension

John Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. The author of 2 books and over 200 popular and trade journal articles, he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques, water conservation, diagnosing turf and ornamental problems and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry. He works extensively with the media to extend the message of landscape sustainability, making over 100 television and radio appearances each year.