Spring and summer usually come with warmer weather and dry days for relaxing in the garden or dining al fresco.
However, if you suffer from hayfever, a high pollen count in the air can leave you hiding indoors rather than enjoying the sunshine. How can you make your garden as low pollen as possible?
Grass substitutes
A grass lawn looks lovely and feels nice underfoot but isn’t much fun for the allergy sufferer. Instead of a grass lawn, go for artificial grass, decking, slabs or gravel. If you really like a grass lawn, you could opt for a camomile lawn. Camomile is evergreen, soft and doesn’t need mowing.
Pull the weeds
As soon as weeds grow, pull them up so they don’t flower and if you do have grass, cut it earlier rather than later so that it doesn’t seed. Every little helps when reducing the pollen count!
Plants that don’t flower
There are plenty of plants that offer shape, colour and height variation that are low or no pollen releasing. Examples are daffodils, tulips, daisies, ferns, hibiscus and hydrangea. Bees and butterflies will still visit allergy-friendly plants whose pollen doesn’t rely on wind to travel.
Shelter
Creating a sheltered spot can help stop airborne pollen drifting in on the wind. Bamboo, grape vine or a privet hedge can all provide shelter from a complete pollen onslaught.
Aside from all this, try to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from airborne pollen. Washing your hair and clothes as soon as you come inside can help keep the pollen from invading your inside space as well.
