Gardening Despite Pollen Allergies

Filed in archive Hay Fever , Living with Allergies on July 30, 2006

Especially in summer, a garden in bloom is a pleasure to see. Show me a shady spot where I can have breakfast or read a book, and I can stay out in the garden the whole day. Scared of breaking into sneezing fits because of the pollen? No need! Even if you have hay fever or pollen allergies, you can have a colorful, flowery garden. The trick is choosing the right kind of plants.

Usually the plants which trigger your allergies are those whose pollens are floating in the air. If you choose those plants which are pollinated not by wind, but by insects, then it should remarkable lower the chances of your pollen allergies getting triggered.

Here's a list of some insect-pollinated plants from the GreenGuide from which you can choose:

Garden plants: Alyssum, begonia, cactus, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, daisy, dusty miller, geranium, hosta, impatiens, iris, lily, narcissus, pansy, petunia, phlox, rose, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, tulips, verbena, zinnia.

Grasses: St. Augustine (not for all climates, however).

Shrubs: Azalea, boxwood, hibiscus, hydrangea, viburnum.

Trees: Apple, cherry, dogwood, magnolia, pear, plum.

Get some advice from the garden shop, too. Might be late for this year, but next summer, you can enjoy a garden in full bloom, hopefully without a sneeze!