For those of us who love to garden, and have seasonal allergies, this time of year can be challenging. Here are some tips that may be helpful.

The pollen from ornamental grasses and turf can be controlled, somewhat. If you do plant ornamental grasses, keep them away from windows, especially the bedroom windows. Keep your lawn mowed from 2 to2 1/2  inches to prevent it from flowering. Buffalo grass may be an option for you. It is drought tolerant, has a growth height from 4 to 6 inches, and the female version produces no pollen.

The green dust on your car is the pollen from male trees, one of the major contributors of allergy discomfort. Male trees are more widely used in landscaping because female trees produce flowers and seeds that homeowners find messy. Choosing female trees can help to alleviate some symptoms.

Flowers needn't be excluded from your garden if you have allergies. Geraniums, hostas, clematis, columbine, unscented roses, and zinnias are allergy friendly plants. Hanging baskets of petunias will be fine, also. Viburnum, hydrangea, and potentilla are shrubs that will work in your landscape.

Allergy friendly plants Landscape Garden Centers
Debbie GrahamResults Radio
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Protective outerwear is helpful in gardening with allergies. I know masks look silly and leave lines, but I've found that sneezing and coughing for an hour afterwards can be just as unattractive! After mowing and other yard work, leave your shoes outside and remove your clothes as soon as possible. Showering immediately afterwards will cut down on the amount of pollen brought into your house.

Bringing in line-dried bedsheets was a task I enjoyed. Not anymore, though. Those damp sheets are magnets for pollen so into the dryer they go!

With just a few changes, you may be able to enjoy your garden more and sneeze less.

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