An Introduction To Low Allergen Gardens

A low allergen garden should be a relaxing and tranquil place to be, and is often easy to maintain. It can help combat the problems of 5 million asthma sufferers, and 9 million hay-fever sufferers in the UK with some clever yet simple planting.

Certain plants should be omitted in a low allergen garden. All grasses are high in pollen, so avoid having a lawn. Native trees such as limes, oaks, beeches, and hornbeams are also problematic.

Avoid dust by removing lawns and keeping path ways clean and clear.

The daylily is great for this type of garden. It is good at flowering throughout the summer providing great colour, only needs reasonable sun levels, attracts bees, and is most importantly very low in pollen.

Choose plants which are insect pollinated, the pollen from these being heavy and too large to inhale. Also remove any rotting vegetation to avoid mould spores being released into the air.

Trees most be chosen carefully. A cornus controversa is perfect. It flowers but has minimal pollen, and gives great colour in its folliage and bark.

Black grass, or Mondograss, is decorative and evergreen. It is not actually part of the grass family, so it is ideal if you want something which resembles grass but without the allergy problems.

Allergy sufferers should get the garden in order during spring, and try to garden in the morning on cool, dull days. It is at these times that pollen levels are lowest. Try wearing sunglasses to shield the eyes from pollen.

Various plants that can be utilised in a low allergen garden include heuchara, campanula, geraniums, and roses.