Kayak Shack (Weekends, Oct-May): 239-574-7395
Weekdays & Off-Season, Call Rotary Park: 239-549-4606

The City of Cape Coral encourages all residents to go native when planting. Native plants are best because, once established, they are more drought tolerant than most non-natives and less dependent on fertilizers, so they grow well with minimal assistance.

When you are ready to plant, Cape Coral offers several choices for your native plant needs. The Kayak Shack at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve sells native plants in conjunction with the kayak rentals: it is a seasonal operation, open weekends only, 8am-4pm, from October-May.  And, Rotary Park & Four Mile Cove host larger native & tropical plant sales throughout the year. Visit Rotary Park’s Excellent Events page or the Parks & Recreation Program Guide for more information.

Planting Suggestions & Tips

• How can you invite birds to your yard? Purchase a Florida privet or a beauty berry.
• Do you enjoy butterflies? Add a larval plant or two to your yard. Try milkweed, cassia or firebush.
• Would you like something fragrant? Plant a fiddlewood or sweet acacia.
• Want shade? Live oaks and several other excellent natives grow great in Cape Coral. Ten (10) gallon sized plants cost only $30 at the City Nursery.
• Need low-maintenance plants? Check out the large selection of native ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, natives require less fertilizers or pesticides & are pretty drought tolerant. (Plants must be well established to make it through a serious drought.)

Come on out to the Kayak Shack on weekends (in-season) as you never know what you might find. From live oaks and slash pines to firebush, tropical sage or sunshine mimosa – there is sure to be something to fit into your landscape!