Hayfever is like a twisted game of hide and seek. For sufferers who have spent the Scottish winter hiding indoors from the cold, only to come out in the spring and have to dodge the sneeze-inducing pollen minefield, it can feel like Mother Nature’s revenge.

Just when we think we can go frolicking in the meadows and bask in the beauty of spring, our immune system throws a tantrum with our noses running like Olympic sprinters, and our eyes streaming like we have just watched ‘Bambi’ for the first time.

So aside from showing off expert tissue-folding skills, what else can hay fever sufferers do to a still have a beautiful outdoor space to which to retreat, rather than run?

Avoid Like the Plague

Hayfever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is caused by an allergic response to pollen from certain plants. Plants which often cause a strong reaction are:

Grasses

The most common cause of hayfever is grass pollen, which is released from May to August. The most problematic grass species are timothy, meadow, rye, and pampas.

Trees

Tree pollen is usually released earlier in the year than grass pollen, from February to June. The most common trees which are prolific pollen producers are birch, oak, ash, maple, and willow.

Avoid trees for the garden which are wind-pollinated, like those which produce catkins.

Weeds

Weed pollen is released later in the year than grass pollen, from June to September so try to pull up weeds before they flower. The weeds to avoid are nettles, dock, and mugwort.

Flowers

Borders in full bloom can be an allergy sufferer’s nightmare, and the main culprits to avoid are dahlias, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, daisies, chamomile, and gypsophila.

It is important to note that people can be allergic to different types of pollen, and some people may be allergic to more than one type. Everyone’s allergies are different, and what may trigger hayfever symptoms in one person may not affect another.

Low-allergen Planting

While it is difficult to guarantee that a plant will not cause a hayfever trigger, there are some plants that are less likely to trigger symptoms:

Gingko biloba

For small gardens, gingko biloba is an excellent tree as it does not shed pollen.

Ferns

Ferns are non-flowering plants that do not produce pollen, making them a good option for those who suffer from hayfever, and perfect for shaded areas of the garden.

Begonia

Begonia is a popular garden plant that is not known to cause hayfever. It has showy flowers in a range of colours, is relatively low-maintenance, and is always a popular flower to show at horticultural shows.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is another garden plant not known to cause hayfever. It has distinctive pendulous flowers that bloom from summer to autumn.

Snapdragon

Snapdragon is a cheerful garden plant that comes in a range of bright colours. While they do produce pollen, it is usually too heavy to become airborne and cause hayfever symptoms.

Other low allergen choices:

Magnolia, cherry, and ornamental pear trees are all good tree choices as they produce a coarse pollen that falls to the ground.

Insect-pollinated flowers, where the pollen tends to be heavy and falls straight to the ground, like hosta, hydrangea, camellia, rose, foxglove, and pansy are good choices.

Top Tips

Hayfever can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are things you can do to help alleviate symptoms:

• Avoid triggers: most weather apps on mobile phones allow you to set-up a pollen count alert so you can check it daily for your local area.
• Get the timing right: early morning and late evening are peak pollen times so get your gardening work done between those times.
• Mow early: try to mow the lawn early in the morning before the dew has had a chance to dry, and wear a mask which covers your mouth and nose – that won’t look out of place at all these days! Keep mowing regularly to prevent grasses from flowering so less pollen is released.
• Mulch: adding a layer of mulch to flowerbeds will keep the weed population down so you will not have to get so up close and personal with them.
• Remove gardening clothes: store your gardening gloves, shoes, and coat in the shed or garage to prevent traipsing pollen into the house.
• Refresh: have a shower after gardening if you know the pollen count has been high.

Management of Symptoms

• Natural remedies: Some people find relief from hay fever symptoms by using natural remedies such as honey, vitamin C, or herbal supplements like butterbur or nettle.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help reduce inflammation, and keep mucus membranes moist.
• Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help relieve hayfever symptoms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find the right medication for you.

Remember, it’s always best to consult with a doctor or allergist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.