Gardening Without the Sniffles: The Possibility of Allergy-free Horticulture

1. Gardening Without the Sniffles: The Possibility
of Allergy-free Horticulture
For many people who suffer from asthma or hay fever, allergens put a constant damper on
any outdoor activities, especially when the patient is susceptible to pollen, a ubiquitous part
of vegetation. This doesn’t mean, however, that asthmatic or allergic patients have to limit
their gardens to rockwork and concrete. With the right choice of plants, a hypoallergenic
garden can be grown.
It is logical to begin planning a hypoallergenic garden by choosing plants that do not rely on
the wind for pollination. This would immediately eliminate several popular choices for
plants, including many forms of trees, grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants. All is not lost,
however, and with the help of a horticulturist, allergy and asthma patients can find a
sufficient variety of non-flowering or insect-pollinated plants to grace their gardens. Garden
layouts should prevent flowers from being close to entryways or windows around bedrooms.
Image source: fivestarlandscape.com
Allergic patients may also wish to reconsider many popular forms of garden mulch. Oyster-
shell, gravel, or other inorganic mulches are preferable to wood-chip mulches.
Timing and labor are also important. Grass should be kept really short and be mowed by a
member of the household with no allergies. Meanwhile, patients should avoid gardening
during windy days to prevent pollen. Because weeds often release huge amounts of pollen,
weeding should be frequent.

2. Image source: claytonbitlerservicecompany.com
Although there is no guarantee that a hypoallergenic garden can prevent all instances of
allergies (due to wind playing a huge role in carrying allergens being unavoidable), it can
significantly reduce the number of allergens in the air le ing the patient work on and
appreciate a lush and beautiful outdoor landscape. Patients should take the necessary caution
such as wearing protective gear and taking medication such as relievers when gardening.
Lisa Marie Cannon‘s practice provides diagnostic, treatment, and management options to patients
with pulmonary and respiratory conditions. Visit this Facebook page for more updates and findings on
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