For the love of palms

By DEBORAH HAGGETT news@breezenewspapers com

One of the key highlights of a tropical landscape is the woody herb known to us as the palm “tree ” Although not technically a tree, some are often referred to as trees with their single trunks and rounded shade-giving canopy Botanically, they are monocotyledons, or monocots, a flowering plant bearing only one seed leaf Both their external form and their internal anatomy result in classifying them as palms As such, they are more closely related to grasses and herbs, than to trees

There are over 2,600 species of palms in the world of which 12 are identified as native to Florida Identifying which palms are growing in your yard and following specific h o r t i c u l t u r a l practices for those palms will help keep them healthy and happy In addition to specifics, there are a few general rules of thumb which you can follow for a thriving palm culture

If you are familiar with Florida Friendly landscaping practices, then you have heard the phrase, “Right plant, right place!” Before planting a native palm in your landscape, take time to complete a soil test This can be accomplished by bringing a soil sample to the Lee County Extension Office and taking advantage of its free soil test This test will ascertain the pH of your soil which will then help you choose the best palm for your site If your soil is too alkaline, some palms will be unable to take up the micronutrients needed to flourish, meaning you can fertilize them to death, literally, and they will not be able to benefit from the fertilizer

The University of Florida has completed extensive studies to determine the best fertilizer for your Florida palms Many assume a turf fertilizer will meet the palm’s needs. Unfortunately, this is not the case The university suggests the use of a good quality palm fertilizer with macro and micronutrients included in the mix and the numbers 8-0-12-4Mg written on the label These numbers correspond to the correct balance of nutrients needed in the order of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium

If the palm is suffering from a deficiency, they concluded the macronutrients, nitrogen, potassium and magnesium, work best in a slow-release form, while other micronutrients such as calcium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc work best in water soluble forms

March is a good month to fertilize your palms. When fertilizing, spread the fertilizer about 15 feet from the base of the palm and not within 15 feet of a canal or other waterway Become familiar with your local fertilizer ordinance,

The 3rd Annual South Cape PRIDE Trolley Event is Saturday, June 3, from 711 p m This 21+ nightlife celebration takes participants to 11 locations to enjoy PRIDE-themed drink and appetizer samples. Drag queen trolley hosts will keep you entertained along the way

Benefiting PRIDE Cape Coral - the local nonprofit representing and supporting the LGBTQ+ community - it's a night of colorful fun Trolley hosts include Sizzy Griddles, Tara Newhole, Sadie T Elise, Deloras T Van Cartier and Yvonne Divine

All-inclusive tickets are just $30 in advance ($25 for DDs) For tickets, visit https://www eventbrite com/e/3rd-annuals o u t h - c a p e - p r i d e - t r o l l e y - e v e n t - t i c k e t s -

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Guests who get their provided passport stamped at all 11 locations can enter to win

PRIDE themed cooler and swag, sponsored by Bud Light To enter the grand prize drawing, leave completed passports on a trolley or at a participating location

Check-in begins at 6 p m at Big John's Plaza or Dolphin Key Resort (under the front awning)

Participating locations and menu offerings include: BackStreets Sports Bar, Strawberry Lemonade Mimosa & White

Chocolate Covered Strawberries; BIG8 BBQ, Rainbow in Paradise & Pork Sliders; Cruiser's Lounge, Rainbow Jello Shots and Sweet & Sour Cocktail Weiners; The Dive, Q u e e n P u n c h & F r u i t y P e b b l e R i c e Krispies; Dixie Roadhouse, The Pink Man & H a m C r o q u e t t e s ; F i s h T a l e G r i l l , U n i c o r n R u m P u n c h & H o m e m a d e Rainbow Cookie; Nice Guys Pizza, Sex on the Butch & Hummus w/ Red Pepper Jam; Rack’em Spirits & Times, Dirty Dolly & Vodka Soaked Cherries & Pineapples; Ralph's Place, Captiva Cherry Splash & Fireballs; Rusty's Bar & Grill, Caramel Apple Sangria & Southern Caramel Apple Crumble; and Tiki Bar, The Blue Tiki & Mini Corn Dogs

For additional information, please visit SCHEA online at SouthCapeEntertainment com

M el’ s D iner is off er ing a w ay fo r patrons to show support for children with cancer by hosting Burgers for Barbara’s Friends On Thursday, June 8, which is also National Best Friends Day, Mel’s Diner restaurants in Southwest Florida will donate 50% from the sale of four different burgers on the menu to Barbara’s Friends, the cancer fund for Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida

The fundraiser will help ensure that programs and services are available for local children diagnosed with cancer at the hospital Cancer support includes assisting with the cost of treatment, medications, mental health counseling, therapies and the addition of specialty services like pediatric neurosurgery for children with brain cancer saving families the anxiety and expense of transporting a critically ill child to Tampa or Miami

Participating Mel’s Diners include:

■ Mel’s Diner Cape Coral – 1331 Pine Island Road, N E , Cape Coral

■ Mel’s Diner Fort Myers – 4820 S Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers

■ Mel’s Diner Naples – 3650 Tamiami Trail N , Naples

■ Mel’s Diner Golden Gate – 12035 Collier Blvd , Naples

For 18 years, Mel’s Diner held the H e l p i n g K i d s w i t h C a n c e r R a d i o t h o n , donating nearly $1 million through the years to Barbara’s Friends The event is no longer being held, and another fundraiser for Barbara’s Friends, Clips for Cancer, was cut short in 2022 by Hurricane Ian

“We are so grateful to Mel’s Diner for stepping up again to support children with cancer with this promotion,” said Amy Frith, Sr. Director, Barbara’s FriendsC h i l d r e n ’ s C a n c e r F u n d f o r G o l i s a n o Children’s Hospital “What better way to be a best friend to a kid with cancer then to enjoy a tasty burger with your friends and give back at the same time ”

The Barbara’s Friends fund has a 28year history of helping kids with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders, ensuring that no child is denied treatment due to a family’s inability to pay