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Low Allergy Gardens
by Hope Bell
Summer time is also allergy time. Many people are not able to enjoy gardens to the fullest because allergies and asthma get in the way. Pets can and do get allergies too, often to the same plants that affect humans. Dogs and cats in particular may be allergic to pollen.
It is possible to minimize exposure to allergy triggers in the garden.
· Avoid plants with strong fragrances or odors
· For mulch, use rocks or gravel instead of bark to cut down on toxic mold spores in the garden.
· Use pollen-free plant selections whenever possible.
· Don’t use any high-allergy plants near bedroom windows or next to patios, well-used walkways, or by front or back doors. Place the highest allergy plants as far away from the house as possible and downwind of the house too. Pollen is tiny and can easily pass through even the tightest window screens.
· Don’t plant any male trees or shrubs. These are often sold as "seedless" or "fruitless" varieties but they’re males and they all produce large amounts of pollen. Plant female trees. Even though these may be messier than males, they produce no pollen, and they actually trap and remove pollen from the air.
· Use disease-resistant plant varieties: mildew, rust, black spot and other plant diseases all reproduce by spores and these spores cause allergies. Disease resistant plants won’t get infected as much and the air around them will be healthier.
· Do not use insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Go organic.
· Use a wide selection of plants.
· Wild birds are a big plus because they eat many insects. Provide feeders and plant plants that encourage birds. Insect dander causes allergies and birds consume a lot of insects - aphids, whiteflies, scale, and other invertebrate pests.
· Some trees and plants produce fuzz on their leaves and stems. This fuzz can become airborne and cause skin rash, itching, and irritation of the eyes, throat and lungs. If you use them, avoid planting them too close to your house.
Creating a Low-Allergen Garden, by Lucy Huntington (Laurel Glen Publishing, 1998), is an excellent book on the topic, covering asthma and skin allergens. It includes more detailed information and lists of recommended plants. (2005-12-23) |
