Anyone who suffers from hayfever will know that the arrival of summer isn’t always the happy occasion it’s made out to be. Because with summer also comes the itchy eyes, the runny nose and the relentless sneezing. Spending time in your beloved garden may seem like it’s never going to happen, but did you know that there are plenty of low-allergen plant options for you to decorate with? That’s right! Summer doesn’t have to mean you’re banished indoors, with these simple to do tips you’ll be outside enjoying your rattan garden furniture allergy-free in no time!

 

Top tips for your garden

 

Get rid of the grass

 

That’s right, your beloved lawn may be the source of most of your sneezes. As it’s wind-pollinated, grasses are automatically bad news for those suffering with hayfever, and that includes ornamental grasses too. Stylish alternatives to a lawn include gravel, paving or decking – and it’ll save you hours of mowing.

 

If you love your lawn too much and just can’t bear to part ways, avoid getting low down on the grass – that means no more sunbathing – and definitely pass on mowing duties to someone else. A hammock is the perfect addition here.

 

Love winter

 

It may be cold but just because winter is here doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a glorious garden. Plants that thrive in low temperatures give out next to no pollen, so why not embrace this time of year? Neat evergreens, glowing dogwood and cherries – there are plenty of options for your garden.

 

Start early

 

Make the most of your day by gardening on a warm sunny morning. Not only is it fantastic exercise, but wind currents that early actually carry the pollen high up where it can’t affect you. As the temperature starts to drop as the day goes on, the pollen settles back down again.

 

Don’t let pollen indoors

 

Not that you’ll be letting it in on purpose, but when summer rolls around and windows are thrown wide open to tempt in a breeze, pollen can find its way into any home. Wear a hat when working outdoors, and have a change of clothes ready when you come inside, and even brush your hair. Every little helps.

 

Best plants for allergy sufferers

 

Flower plants

 

  • Sweet pea
  • Periwinkle
  • Foxglove
  • Impatiens
  • Forget-me-nots
  • Petunia
  • Violets
  • Crocus
  • Snowdrops
  • Hyacinth
  • True geranium
  • Poppy
  • Carnation
  • Rose (avoid high-scent varieties)
  • Daffodil
  • Snapdragon
  • Iris
  • Poppy
  • Fuchsia
  • Peony
  • Tulip (bulbs can cause skin irritation

 

Shrubs, herbs and bushes

 

  • Chinese lantern
  • Big leaf hydrangea
  • Coral bells
  • Wood sage
  • Beauty bush
  • Dart’s gold
  • Sunrose
  • Daphne
  • Nandina
  • Gaura
  • Cleveland sage
  • Autumn sage
  • Coral bells

 

Trees

 

  • Persimmon
  • Juneberry
  • Opt for female trees. These will drop seeds or berries but won’t produce pollen

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