Millions of people who suffer from the effects interfere with the pleasure of gardening, dining on the deck, entertaining poolside, or even just playing outside. Although never completely allergy-free, an outdoor living space can become a place of enjoyment again. Anyone can create a low-allergen garden by selecting the plants that cause fewer sniffles. Follow these tips and you'll enjoy flowers again without needing to keep a tissue at the ready.
Select a suitable site away from the rest of the garden, or 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, therefore not suitable).
Tips to help you steer clear of seasonal sniffles:
1. Eliminate lawns and hedges, which can trap pollen and mold spores. At the very least, keep your lawn cut short.
2. Use a compost system with a lid, or cover the compost heap with a mold-inhibiting barrier, such as a plastic sheet.
3. Don't use organic mulches or mushroom compost because they contain fungi and spores.
4. Always wear a hat in the garden to catch airborne allergens, and remove the hat before you go inside. In fact, 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.
5. If your pollen allergies are severe, you may consider wearing a mask over your nose and mouth.
* Avoid gardening at dusk or in the early morning hours when pollen counts are highest.
