According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergy sufferers can still enjoy time in their garden by choosing better less allergy-provoking choices like azalea, begonia, bougainvillea, cacti daffodil, daisy, dahlia, gladiola, Irish moss, iris, lily, marigold, narcissus, orchid, pansy, petunia, snapdragon, sunflower, tulip, violet, and zinnias. Allergy producing plants to avoid includes amaranthus, coneflower, crocus, elderberry, juniper, peony, poppy, and privet.
Bougainvillea are less allergy-provoking due to the fact that its “flowers” are actually the small, white, tubular flowers in the center of the colorful bracts. Inside each flower, you’ll find very little pollen compared to other flowering plants.
Seven more “survival” tips for the gardener include:
- Planting female trees in one’s own yard which will attract and then trap incoming airborne pollen from male plants.
- Keeping high pollen-producing plants away from the doors of your home as well as bedroom windows.
- Keeping pets away from plants or trees. They may rub against a plant or sit under a tree and the pollens may adhere to their fur.
- Wearing a pollen mask while gardening.
- Washing/showering/shampooing after spending time outdoors to reduce amount of environmental seasonal allergens being transferred into your home.
- Planning outdoor time for rainy, wet, cloudy and windless days, which usually have lower pollen counts.
- Keeping grass cut short.