For many people with asthma or allergies, gardening often means sneezing, runny or blocked noses, watery and itchy eyes and sometimes extreme fatigue. A wheeze and sneeze free garden may improve the health and wellbeing of people with asthma or allergies.
In Australia, August to March can be particularly difficult, as there is an increased amount of pollen in the air which can trigger an asthma attack and make life pretty uncomfortable.
There are still many plants and trees that you can have in your garden that will not cause you any reaction, so there’s no reason not to have a beautiful display of plants and flowers all year round.
What changes can I make to my garden?
Look at the types of plants you have in the garden. Those plants that produce large amounts of pollen or have strong perfumes can be a problem. Some pollen producing plants like grasses can be cut back before they release their pollen, so you can still have them in your garden without any problem. Others might be better to remove altogether, especially any plants that cause a skin reaction or rash if touched.
A nursery should be able to advise on which plants and trees are high in pollen or are heavily scented, and can also let you know when to cut grasses and other pollen-producing plants.
Download our Asthma & Allergy Friendly Gardens brochure here to look at tables of recommended herbs, ground covers, grasses, flowers, climbers, shrubs and trees as well as the ones to avoid.
Golden rules for an asthma and allergy friendly garden:
- Avoid plants that pollinate themselves via the wind (they release millions of tiny pollen grains that react with your eyes, nose, sinus and airways).
- Choose plants pollinated by birds and insects as they don’t release their pollen into the air e.g. most Australian natives.
- Use female species as male plants produce the troublesome pollen.
- Avoid plants with strong fragrances or odours, and certainly don’t plant them under bedroom windows or next to entrances and exits.
- Choose a native or slow-growing, low or no pollen grass that doesn’t require frequent mowing.
- Use inorganic mulches e.g. pebbles and gravel to reduce weeds and mould spores;
- Weed the garden often.
- Avoid compost heaps.
- Don’t garden on windy days when pollen may be in the air.
- Always carry your reliever puffer with you when working in the garden and make sure you have a written Asthma Action Plan.
If in Sydney visit the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Garden at Eden Gardens, corner Lane Cove & Fontenoy Rds. North Ryde NSW or visit www.edengardens.com.au