ALLERGY FREE GARDENING

NOSE FRIENDLY PLANTS

For most of us the summer growth of plants and trees is a joy. For others it can be weeks of streaming eyes and blocked noses as the pollen count increases

If you have asthma or allergies, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the pleasures of gardening. In fact, there is a wide range of big, showy flowers, shrubs, and trees that shouldn’t make you wheeze, cry or sniffle with hayfever.

By choosing insect-pollinated plants, which tend to have heavier pollen that doesn't become airborne easily, you can enjoy hours of virtually allergy-free gardening.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a physical response to an irritant in the environment that may cause the body to react in a variety of ways. Allergic reactions can occur year-round, including in winter. Types of reaction may include running or itchy eyes and nose, skin flare-up, breathing problems and headaches.

Allergy Facts

Most respiratory-related allergies are caused by pollen. Not all pollens are the same however. Some pollen spores, if viewed under a microscope, are basically smooth. Pine pollen, for example, has a more-or-less smooth outer surface. Others, like sycamore, have barbed surfaces. The latter type is the one that tend to cause the greatest irritation in eyes, sinuses and lungs.

Male plants are the most problematic since they are the pollen producers. Female plants, on the other hand, produce seeds rather than pollen. It's the flowering process, including the release of pollen that leads to the misery of allergies.

It's important to note that some plant species have both male and female elements within a single plant, while others are “only male” or “only female.”

Most pollen lands close to the source plant, so a heavily pollen-producing tree in your own garden, for example, will have a much greater impact than a similar tree planted some way away.


Tips for Creating an Allergy-Free Garden

Identify the culprits and take action. If it's feasible, remove the problem plant or tree entirely and replace it with allergy friendly plant.

If you can't remove the problem plant, keep it pruned back regularly.

With allergies, avoidance is key. When the pollen producers are flowering, try to physically avoid them. For example, if you have a problem plant at the back door, get in the habit of using the front door until the plant's flowering phase is complete.

Avoid planting pollen producers near windows that you're likely to open on nice days.

Avoid planting male (pollen-producing) specimens. Ask the staff at your local garden centre to help you select female plants. They're pollen-free and actually trap and remove airborne pollen.

If you're involved in a local planting scheme or know someone on the council, suggest avoiding plantings of male-only trees in publicly landscaped areas. Large numbers of male trees raise the pollen count substantially.

Get rid of any plants that attract mildew, rust or aphids. Plants grown in the wrong place will fail to thrive. Pest and mildew infested plants produce moulds, which produce allergenic spores. Cut these plants down, dig them up and replace them with plants that thrive in your garden conditions.

If the entire garden is shaded by trees, consider thinning them out or removing some to let in the light. Fresh air and sunshine will cut down on moulds and spores.

Keep your lawns well fertilized and mow them often. Lawnmower blades should be sharp; dull blades rip off the grass and the exposed surfaces are subject to disease - thus, mould and spores. Also, sharp blades put less stress on the grass, resulting in healthier lawns that are able to choke out allergy-causing lawn weeds.

Point to note
Remember, flowers with pollen that may not cause a problem outdoors can be a different story if brought indoors. Not only can pollen become airborne as the flowers age and dry out, but also the chances of coming into contact with pollen increase by walking past them


“Nose-Friendly” Plants

Female trees of any type. Some examples are: apple, cherry, dogwood, magnolia, pear, plum.

If you are growing your own bedding plants then go for the F1 Hybrids. These do not reproduce. Other annuals and perennials include: 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. Morning glories are a good choice for the allergy prone. Their pollen is not allergenic. Most flowering plants with trumpet- or tube-shaped blooms tend not to be as problematic.

Shrubs: Azalea, boxwood, hibiscus, hydrangea, viburnum. Low fragrance roses such as shrub or floribunda roses.



The key to an allergy-free garden is patience. A hard or garden relatively free of allergens doesn't happen overnight. Plant selection is key. Learn what species and varieties are safe to plant and which to avoid.