Being allergy-sensitive doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful garden. Susie Coelho, host of
Surprise Gardener, and landscape designer Tonya van der Wal show how to create a beautiful garden that people who are sensitive to pollen can enjoy.
The best plants for an allergy-friendly garden are those that don't produce airborne pollen. Plants such as hydrangea that have sticky pollen or plants with no pollen at all, such as ferns, are the best bets.
Here are some good candidates:
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea sp.) is a deciduous shrub or vine that comes in hundreds of varieties. The big, bold leaves are three to six inches long and clusters of long -lasting flowers that can be white, pink, red or blue. They require full sun to partial shade and are easy to grow in rich, porous soil.
- Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is an evergreen vine that climbs 10 to 20 feet on a trellis, arbor or wall. The tubular flowers are vibrant yellow and one to two inches long. The leaves are shiny and light green on long branches that will cascade and swing in the wind. They like full sun and look best if watered regularly. Zones 6-10 (11).
- Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) is an evergreen tree that's a favorite in arid climates. Avoid planting in wet or clay soil. Varieties range from short shrubs to towering trees, which can grow more than 100 feet tall. This eucalyptus has a small pink flower that blooms from mid-fall to late-spring. Hardy to Zone 9.
Other tips:
- Keep your garden well weeded; weeds are notorious pollen producers. Placing plants close together will help discourage weeds from germinating and taking hold.
- Use wood chips or bark mulch to keep down dust.
)
)
)