Just a reminder that our fertilizer ban goes into effect June 1 to Sept. 30. No nitrogen or phosphorus is allowed, which are the first two numbers on the fertilizer bag. This is because we get most of our annual rain in the summer. It washes off any loose particles into our storm drains and into the canals and river. This muddies our waters and fertilizes the algae living in the water.

Along with our long days of sunshine and warm temperatures, algae populations can run wild. During some years, it has caused the toxic blue-green algae to bloom, making some people and their animals sick.

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, produce neurotoxins and has been linked to ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s with long-term exposure.

You do not want this growing in your canal! To help prevent toxic algae blooms, Cape Coral has enacted this fertilizer ban for the summer.

You might wonder, as I did, how our plants can grow without fertilizer during our main growing season? I found out that they can do just fine! In April or May, put slow release fertilizer on the plants that seem to need it. My lawn grows crazy fast all summer, due to the sun and rain, not the fertilizer. In the fall, a light application of slow release fertilizer keeps it green through the winter. Your plants do not really need as much fertilizer as you might think. Letting them grow at their own pace seems to work fine until you notice a deficiency.

Plants that have grown up in Florida over centuries grow the best in our summers. Plants that developed in an area without strong, drenching rains during the summer often do not do so well. It may be too wet and hot for plants originating far from here. Planting native plants is a good way to enjoy plants that won’t need heavy fertilization to be attractive, grow or flower. Keep your eye out for plants that relish our wet/dry pattern.

One shrub or small tree that I recommend to everyone is firebush (Hamelia patens) because it is the best bird and butterfly attractor. Blooming orange to red flowers all year, pollinators of all kinds visit it.

It grows easily in our sandy soil, without fertilizer and is hurricane resistant. It may be grown as a specimen plant up to 15 feet tall by 10 feet wide, but can be kept to 8 feet. It also works well as a privacy barrier. Be aware of the size. Do not be fooled by so called “dwarf” firebush (Hamelia patens var. glabra) as this also gets very tall and is from South America. I put my firebush outside my kitchen window so I can watch the birds visit the red berries and the butterflies visit the tubular flowers.

Summer is a glorious time in the garden when plants, insects and birds really come alive. Early mornings and sunsets are especially magical times. I hope you can find time to treat yourself and enjoy our vibrant summertime!

Sherie Bleiler volunteers at the Cape Coral Library Butterfly Garden and is past president of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit gardenclubofcapecoral.com. Like us on our Facebook page.