Planting an allergy-smart garden may be the key to enjoying summer outdoors.
By Ann Wolski
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever", affects more than 35 million people in the United States. The affects of hay fever and asthma, plus allergies to pollen and other airborne irrigtants, interferes with the pleasure of gardening, dining on the deck, outdoor entertaining or relaxing on the patio. Though outdoor living can never be completely allergy-free, by selecting certain plants you may be able to cause fewer sniffles.Flowering plants that are insect-pollinated (versus wind-pollinated) are the best because the pollen is heavy, too large to inhale, and not blown so widely into the air. Avoid plants with heavy scents - asters, carnations, chrysanthemums, dahlias, daisies, goldenrod, Sweet William, daffodils, freesias, hyacinths, roses and sweet peas. Instead, use sweet-smelling herbs, such as mint, rosemary, and oregano. Just remember to pick them before they flower to avoid any possible allergens.
Most trees are wind-pollinated and should be kept away from the house. Particular ones to avoid are ash, beech, birch, elder, hazel, horse chestnut, oak, pine, poplar, sycamore, willow, and yew.
Plan and do structural work in your garden during the winter and plant the garden in early spring when the pollen count is low. During midsummer, when the pollen count may be high, work in your garden in the late morning or late afternoon when pollen is high up in the sky or on cloudy days.
Create your whole garden as a low-allergen space using walls, fences, and trellises as alternatives to hedges and shrubs (some evergreen plants and shrubs are high in pollen).
Eliminate lawns and hedges, which can trap pollen and mold spores. At least, keep your lawn cut short.
Use a compost system with a lid, or cover the compost heap with mold-inhibiting barrier, such as a plastic sheet.
Wear a mask over your nose and mouth if allergies are severe.
Always wear a hat in the garden to catch airborne allergens and remove the hat before you go inside. It's a good idea to change and wash the clothes you were wearing after working in the garden. Also wash your hair to get rid of any pollen.
Most importantly, enjoy being outdoors again!
