"Creating an Allergy-Friendly Garden: Choosing Low-Pollen Plants for Spring"
Read "Creating an Allergy-Friendly Garden: Choosing Low-Pollen Plants for Spring" on WALY Radio
"Creating an Allergy-Friendly Garden: Choosing Low-Pollen Plants for Spring"
[!CDATA[Spring brings back the garden, but for many, it also brings seasonal allergies. Pollen from trees, weeds, grasses, and flowers can trigger sneezing, itching, and other symptoms. While pollen is essential for plant reproduction and the ecosystem, it can be a nuisance for allergy sufferers. Some plants release less pollen and may be better choices for allergy-friendly gardens. Plants that rely on wind for pollination, like ragweed, can be particularly irritating for allergy sufferers. Trees such as birch, cypress, oak, and walnut are known to produce allergenic pollen. Grasses like Bermuda and Kentucky grass can also trigger allergies. Weeds like ragweed and plantain are common culprits as well. On the other hand, plants with heavier pollen or double flowers are less likely to release significant amounts of pollen. Trees like apricot, fig, and redbud, as well as flowers like begonia, daffodil, and iris, are considered allergy-friendly options. Female trees, which do not produce pollen, are also recommended for allergy sufferers. To minimize allergy symptoms, it is advisable to keep windows closed and avoid mowing the lawn yourself. By choosing low-pollen plants and taking precautions, you can enjoy gardening without the discomfort of seasonal allergies.]]